Grizzly bears once faced extinction in the Lower 48, with fewer than 600 survivors by 1975. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), their numbers have rebounded to over 2,000—yet they still occupy less than 4% of their historic range.

Now, H.R. 281—the “Grizzly Bear State Management Act” introduced January 9, 2025—threatens to reverse this hard-won recovery. The bill would force the Department of Interior to strip ESA protections from Greater Yellowstone grizzly bears within 180 days and block any judicial review of that action.

This is more than a bureaucratic power play—it puts a fragile species at risk. Scientists across federal and state agencies have repeatedly warned that delisting now would undo decades of careful, science-based recovery. Without ESA safeguards, state-level decisions could pave the way for trophy hunts, habitat degradation, and increased human-bear conflicts—especially when population pressures and development persist.

We must speak up NOW. Congress cannot let H.R. 281 sidestep biology, strip judicial oversight, or gamble with public conservation investments.

Our ask: Urge every U.S. Representative to vote NO on H.R. 281 and ensure Greater Yellowstone grizzlies remain protected under the ESA.