by the Associated Press
A state Senate committee is taking up a proposal to allow the use of trapping and lethal measures against grizzly bears to prevent conflicts with humans and livestock.
Grizzly bears are protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Senate Bill 143 by Republican Sen. Debby Barrett would declare grizzly bears a recovered population that should be managed by the state.
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim says the agency agrees that the grizzly bear has recovered and should be managed by the state.
But, he adds, the provision on killing and trapping bears is unnecessary and could be used by those opposed to removing federal protections for the animal.
Teklanika Nature Photography 