Grizzly bears thriving in Montana, survey finds

The study employed more than 200 field workers. Over 14 weeks in 2004 they collected hair samples from 2,500 barbed-wire hair traps and 4,800 trees that bears naturally rub against to scratch themselves. A mixture of pureed fish guts and cattle blood that was aged in 100 55-gallon steel drums in a rented barn for more than a year before the study began lured bears to the sampling stations. Altogether 34,000 hair samples were analyzed — a number that so overwhelmed the company conducting the DNA tests that it had to buy an additional building and double its staff to handle the project.

The result was the most accurate and precise census of a bear population to date, bear experts said. Researchers also found evidence that the population has been growing in size and expanding its range. Its diversity resembled that of grizzly bear populations in pristine habitats.

Protection review due in early '09
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is in charge of regulating endangered species, is currently reviewing the bears' status in Montana as part of a five-year review required by the Endangered Species Act. The study's results will be a key piece of evidence used by biologists to determine whether the bear still needs federal protection, a conclusion due out early next year.

But bear experts — and environmentalists — cautioned it will take more than a population count to fully recover the species. Further research into population trends and the bear's habitat will also be needed.

"All the things people have been doing are making a difference," said Chris Servheen, the service's Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator. "This gives us some feedback that the bears are doing really well. This was an investment in the recovery of an icon of the American West, which is the grizzly bear."

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