Grizzly bears are an understated economic boon to the state of Montana. I am a biologist, wildlife watching guide and business owner, based in Gardiner, operating in Yellowstone National Park.

As such, I can tell you that nearly every one of my clients is here (in whole or in part) because they want to see and learn about grizzlies. These people spend money in gateway communities and have high expectations of Montana residents as stewards of this incredible land that we get to call home.

We are so fortunate to have large areas of occupied grizzly habitat and people who are doing what they can to coexist with these bruins. There are many challenges involved, and I am grateful for the proactive efforts of the Montana Governor’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council to ensure that we can sustain a grizzly population in Montana, while keeping people and livelihoods…