Grizzly Bear Numbers In Yellowstone Region Down Slightly This Year

This summer Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area was hampered by several different incidents with grizzly bears. Grizzlies were also attributed to two deaths this summer at the Nation's first national park. Although grizzly bears have been an issue this year researchers state that the number of grizzlies in and around Yellowstone is down slightly from last year.

The slight decrease could mean that the regions bear population might finally be leveling off after decades of growth. Reports state that there are approximately 593 grizzlies populating a 19,000 square mile region consisting of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

Last year the number of grizzlies in that region stood at 602. Although the numbers are down slightly this year bears have still been making appearances in uncommon areas leading to a spike in conflicts between humans and bears. Bears are a protected under federal law as a threatened species but wildlife officials are trying to lift that designation in the Yellowstone region.