Grizzly Deaths Hit Record in Yellowstone Region
Over 80 grizzly bears have died in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem this year, the third straight year of record mortalities.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in National Parks
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Grizzly bear deaths in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem have reached record levels for the third consecutive year, with more than 80 bears dead and two months left in the year. The Trump administration has proposed a revised rule that would shift greater management of the bears to Northern Rockies states.
Why it matters
At least 50 of the deaths were human-caused, and livestock conflict has killed more Greater Yellowstone grizzlies this year than any other cause. The proposed rule would temporarily keep the bears' Endangered Species Act listing while the administration pushes for delisting once it is finalized.
Over 80 grizzly bears have died in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem this year, with at least 50 deaths human-caused and 15 more under investigation. The cause of the 15 pending deaths has not been determined.
The players
Trump administration
The federal administration that proposed the revised 4(d) rule and has said it will push for delisting immediately after finalization.
Earthjustice
A nonprofit environmental law organization that issued a press release on the record grizzly mortalities.
The details
The Trump administration proposed a revised 4(d) rule in July that would hand greater management of grizzlies to Northern Rockies states, and the rule is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Several conservation groups plan to challenge the move to keep protections for the species.
Timeline
July 2026: Trump administration proposes revised 4(d) rule for grizzlies.
September 2026: Idaho Fish and Game confirms a grizzly sighting in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.
Revised 4(d) rule expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Big Picture
The proposed 4(d) rule would revise the Endangered Species Act threatened listing that currently protects grizzly bears, shifting management authority to Northern Rockies states. Critics describe it as a backdoor delisting that bypasses the findings normally required before federal protections are lifted.
Visitors to Greater Yellowstone and nearby national forests should be aware of active grizzly territory and follow bear-safety guidance. Changes to grizzly management could affect where and how bears are managed across the Northern Rockies in the coming months.
The takeaway
Record grizzly losses in Greater Yellowstone highlight how human activity and livestock conflict are shaping the species' future. Following how the 4(d) rule is finalized will show whether federal protections are maintained or reduced.
What happens next
The revised 4(d) rule is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, after which the administration has said it will push for delisting.
Further reading
For more on the region at the center of this story, explore National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bonner County Daily Bee.
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Should the federal government loosen Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears?
