by Yellowstonian
Thousands of people, hailing from the American West, coast to coast, and beyond, have now watched a provocative conversation about the uncertain future of grizzly bear recovery in the Lower 48.
On April 17, 2025, noted Jackson Hole wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen joined Dr. Christopher Servheen in a discussion about the death of Grizzly 399 in October 2024, the possible fate of 399’s last cub and a deepening array of threats facing bears. For 35 years, Servheen served as the federal government’s leader of national grizzly bear recovery for the US Fish and Wildlife Service,
The topics that were explored are especially timely as both the Trump Administration and members of Congress say they will push to have grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems removed from their current federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. This would set the stage for bringing back trophy sport hunts of grizzlies following 50 years in which hunting was prohibited.
Notably, Dr. Servheen was a longtime vocal advocate of delisting grizzlies but he has reversed that position and now says that a number of factors make the prospects of continuing biological recovery dire.
Mangelsen and Servheen answered questions posed by Yellowstonian co-founder and journalist Todd Wilkinson, who authored two books about 399. As a special treat for Yellowstonian readers, you can watch the recorded discussion below. It is generating a buzz.
Also read this stories from Yellowstonian:
Is The Death Of The Legendary Grizzly Bear Study Team Near—And What Does It Symbolize?
42 Biologists With 1,350 Years Of Experience Say DOGE Closure Of Fed Science Center Is Wrong
Subdivisions: As Impactful To Wildlife Over Time As Clearcuts, Mines And Energy Combined
Wreckreation And Our National Obsession To Love Wild Places To Death
