The **Biden administration** is reinforcing protections for approximately **2,000 grizzly bears** across four Rocky Mountain states, despite pushback from Republican officials.
Federal officials plan to **reclassify** the bears' status, allowing ranchers to **shoot** bears that threaten livestock, while still maintaining protections in areas the bears inhabit.
This action comes as **Republican leaders** have sought to regain management control over the grizzly population since 2021, prompting concerns over potential public hunts.
Critics of the decision, such as Montana Rep. **Ryan Zinke**, argue it is a **politically motivated** move to satisfy environmental groups, highlighting a clash over wildlife management priorities.
Experts warn that lifting protections could **endanger the species** again, with the recovery of grizzly populations since 1975 at risk from habitat loss and state management policies that may be detrimental.