The bill revises existing laws regarding the management of grizzly bears in Montana, particularly in relation to their delisting from the federal Endangered Species Act. It allows the Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules prior to delisting that enable livestock owners to take action against grizzly bears that are attacking or killing their livestock without needing a permit. The bill establishes a quota for the number of grizzly bears that can be taken and requires livestock owners to report any such actions to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks within a specified timeframe. Additionally, it mandates that the commission's rules align with the state's grizzly bear management plan and conservation strategies.

Furthermore, the bill amends the definition of "livestock" to include various animals and clarifies the process for livestock owners to report threats from grizzly bears. It emphasizes the importance of managing grizzly bear populations to minimize conflicts with humans and livestock, and it provides a framework for addressing situations where grizzly bears pose a threat to human safety. The legislation aims to balance the conservation of grizzly bears with the rights of livestock owners to protect their property.

Statutes affected:
SB0295_1.pdf: 87-5-301, 87-6-106
SB0295_2.pdf: 87-5-301, 87-6-106
SB0295_3.pdf: 87-5-301, 87-6-106
SB0295_4.pdf: 87-5-301, 87-6-106
Enrolled: 87-5-301, 87-6-106
Amended: 87-5-301, 87-6-106
Introduced: 87-5-301, 87-6-106