Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Grizzly Bear Listing on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife With a Revised Section 4(d) Rule; Proposed Revision of the Protective Regulations Under Section 4(d)
Key claim: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing substantive changes to the section 4(d) protective regulations for grizzly bears in the lower-48 States, reopening the comment period on those changes, and considering separate final rules for the listing determination and the 4(d) rule.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Interior Department, Fish and Wildlife Service) We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or FWS), notify the public that we are making changes to our January 15, 2025, proposed rule to revise the protective regulations for the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the lower-48 States under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act or ESA). We are reopening the comment period because we are proposing substantive changes to the protective regulations in the January 15, 2025, proposed rule. Comments previously submitted will be considered and do not need to be resubmitted now. However, we invite comments on the new information presented in this announcement relevant to the changes to the proposed protective regulations, as described below. We encourage those who have commented previously to submit additional comments, if appropriate, considering this new information relative to the protective regulations for the grizzly bear. At this time, we are not proposing any revisions to, nor asking for additional comments on, any other components of our January 15, 2025, proposed rule for the grizzly bear, including the proposed grizzly bear distinct population segment (DPS). In addition, we are providing notice that we are considering issuing separate final rules for our final determinations on the revision to the grizzly bear listing and the revision to the 4(d) rule.
Why this matters
The section 4(d) rule determines what activities affecting grizzly bears are prohibited or allowed on public and private lands across the lower-48, directly shaping livestock conflict management, hunting, land use, and state/tribal roles. Splitting the listing decision from the 4(d) protective regulations could change both the timing and stringency of on-the-ground protections, with implications for ranchers, recreationists, and recovery in the Northern Rockies.