As with many species, westward expansion, human transformation of the landscape, and fear led to near-eradication of grizzly bears in the continental United States. When the grizzly bear was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1975, the grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states was down to less than 1000 bears. Grizzly bears still occupy less than 2% of their former range in the lower 48, in 5 of 6 grizzly bear recovery areas.

Grizzly bears were once numerous, ranging across North America from California to the Great Plains, and from Mexico all the way up into Alaska.

Defenders' Impact

Recognizing that human-bear conflicts were a leading cause of human-related grizzly bear deaths, Defenders initiated our grizzly bear conflict mitigation, or coexistence, program in the late 1990s. Defenders works directly with local residents and communities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies on a wide variety of conflict prevention projects, largely on private lands.

A primary example is our popular grizzly bear electric fencing incentive program. We see tremendous conservation value in providing financial support and technical expertise to build electric fence systems that effectively deter grizzly bears and other carnivores from accessing anthropogenic attractants.

To keep bears from getting food-conditioned at campsites and dumps, often resulting in euthanasia, Defenders cost shares on projects that secure food and garbage on our public lands and in communities. This includes purchasing food storage lockers for the U.S. Forest Service to install at campgrounds, assisting with costs associated with fencing a waste transfer site and purchasing bear resistant garbage cans or neighborhoods.

This work keeps bears and other wildlife out of trouble. We also host bear awareness education events and trainings for community groups and school kids living in the region to share awareness tips and practice using bear spray.