I am wondering how the US Fish and Wildlife service is under the impression that 500 grizzly bears are enough to ensure that the species is no longer endangered. Is this a standard number? Or is it the difference between the original population and the current population?

If you ask me, I think that 500 is no where near a large enough number to ensure that the population will not be in danger in the near future. Of course the bears will be subject to hunting, most likely immediately. The second a big game hunter realizes that he can have a grizzly bear head on his living room wall or a grizzly bear rug on his bathroom floor, he will have no hesitations about shooting one. It makes me sad to know that this situation is not being scrutinized at the level it should be.

Quote by SpotLaura

I am wondering how the US Fish and Wildlife service is under the impression that 500 grizzly bears...

Hi! Spot Laura!

I agree with your views. The Natural Resources Defense Council has said it will fight the decision and try to keep the Yellowstone grizzly bears in the list of endangered species. The council is also upset by the possibility of the bears falling victim to hunters’ guns as it is stripped of its protected status.