JACKSON, Wyo. – Researchers say a study on Yellowstone ecosystem grizzly bear diets should be completed this October.
The study will help determine whether managers will recommend ending federal protections for the species.
Frank van Manen is the team leader for the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.
Van Manen says the study is taking a “holistic approach” to analyzing grizzly bear diets.
He tells the Jackson Hole News & Guide that researchers are looking at the changing availability of different food types available to the bears.
Grizzlies have very broad-based diets that complicate the study.
Grizzlies have been listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act for the past four years.