JACKSON -- Researchers are proposing genetic testing to determine whether grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region interbreed with grizzlies from elsewhere.
Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey proposed the study Wednesday in a meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee in West Yellowstone, Mont.
Federal judges in Montana and Idaho are presiding over three separate lawsuits challenging a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in April to remove grizzlies from the endangered species list.
One argument against delisting is the population's lack of genetic diversity. Some say that could threaten the long-term health of bears in the ecosystem.
Scientists say grizzlies from Canada or northwest Montana must breed with bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem at least once every generation to maintain the genetic diversity of the Yellowstone population.
"We have no documentation of that happening," said Chuck Schwartz, leader of the Geological Survey's grizzly bear study team.
There is genetic evidence of a hybrid bear in the northern ecosystem, but Schwartz said that bear probably is the offspring of a problem bear that was relocated to Canada years ago.
Researchers plan to collect genetic samples from all bears captured or killed in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Geneticists will then compare the DNA of the Yellowstone grizzlies with grizzlies in northern Montana and Canada to see if interbreeding has occurred.
If no sign of genes from elsewhere appears in Yellowstone grizzlies by 2020, researchers suggest capturing one or two bears from elsewhere and releasing them in the Yellowstone region every 10 years.
Although there is no evidence of interbreeding right now, the Yellowstone population has been expanding into southern Montana. However, researchers say grizzlies are much more likely to be killed by vehicles and hunters when they get closer to human development.
Franz Camenzind, executive director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, called the genetic health of Yellowstone grizzlies a "huge concern" because of the population's isolation and modest numbers. The population is estimated at 600.
"It's long overdue that they start a rigorous genetic diversity study," he said.
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Worried for the right reason wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:06 AM:
Further, how much will this so called study cost the tax payer as the scientist and researchers ride yet another gravy train of an issue of unimportance? How much extra will it cost to bring in a bear or two? They are larger than wolves thus will cost more. I am sure the environmentalist will make it a point to gouge the taxpayer on this matter also. Let us not forget that they are setting up future court issues to again drain tax moneys all because they have no ability to get a real day job contributing to society rather than using society’s resources.
Perhaps providence will bring a measure of sanity into this never ending pursuit and let the Yellowstone super volcano blow taking Jackson Hole and this stupid alliance with it first placing them in the afterlife properly with the dodo bird. At least the world would have respite as it recovered from a real disaster. "
hornschwagle wrote on Nov 16, 2008 7:41 AM:
Over it... wrote on Nov 16, 2008 11:31 AM:
Bubba wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:20 PM:
Guys, if you don't actually know anything about the biological sciences, why are you sounding off?
If anything, your ignorance of genetics bespeaks a certain inbreeding in your limited ranks. "
Worried for the right reason wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:05 PM:
I was aware of a few people called Bubba sitting around various towns drinking shine which is all they could do after dropping out of kindergarten in their 11th year of attempting to get passing grades yet failing. I did not know or associate with them I just knew they were there (or in the paper as being arrested for public intoxication or fighting).
It is painfully apparent you did not get the fact that I was and am more concerned about the motives of the environmentalist than on the actual debatable genetic issue. But it is my belief reading comprehension or cognitive abilities is not your strong suit.
So put down the remote, open a new jug, make sure your spit cup is handy, take your annual bath and entertain me more with your uneducated remarks. After all you can fire up the still any time in between entertaining me and others.
Now if you desire to debate the issue I am willing to do so and will answer questions and clarify my position while requiring you to do the same. If you desire to insult me then go ahead as I have been insulted by the best and it did not concern me when it occurred. However, let me assure you that you are not among the best and it does not concern me when you attempt it either. We can take this either way it is your choice as entertainment or debate are both enjoyable. "
Over it... wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:24 AM:
My concerns rest in the ultimate goal and motives of those pushing for the ultimate end to hunting with "genetic diversity" as a motor. I firmly believe that both wolves and bears help to provide a healthy ecosystem, provided they are managed properly.
Camenzind and his groups have made it very clear as to their agenda with the wolf reintro. This will follow the same path.
You might want to identify your target before you start shooting. Attempting to degrade the discussion with childish commentary benefits no one. "
Worried for the right reason wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:22 PM:
Hello wrote on Nov 17, 2008 4:18 PM:
Worried for the right reason wrote on Nov 17, 2008 7:31 PM:
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