Deadly Bear Attacks Spark Push to End Federal Grizzly Protections

Republicans are ramping up calls to strip federal protections from grizzly bears after two terrifying attacks inside America’s most famous national parks left one hiker dead and others badly injured — reigniting a fierce debate over whether the predators have made a dangerous comeback.

Montana Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke blasted federal wildlife officials this week after separate grizzly-related incidents unfolded in both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.

“Last week, two grizzly bear attacks claimed the life of a hiker in Glacier National Park and seriously injured two others in Yellowstone National Park,” Zinke wrote on X. “These tragedies are a sobering reminder that grizzly bear populations have recovered well beyond sustainable levels.”

He added: “Delist the grizzly.”

The explosive comments came after two hikers were injured May 4 during a frightening encounter near Yellowstone’s popular Mystic Falls trail close to Old Faithful. National Park Service officials said the victims were attacked by “one or more bears,” though the investigation remains ongoing.

Just days later, tragedy struck in Glacier National Park when 33-year-old Florida hiker Anthony Pollio was found dead after disappearing while hiking alone. Officials later said his injuries were consistent with a bear attack.

The incidents immediately sparked outrage and renewed questions about whether federal protections for grizzlies have gone too far — especially in states like Montana and Wyoming, where local officials have long argued the population has exploded beyond control.

Grizzly bears have been federally protected since 1975 under the Endangered Species Act after their numbers collapsed due to hunting and habitat loss. But critics now argue the bears have fully rebounded and are increasingly putting Americans at risk in areas packed with tourists, hikers and campers.

According to a Congressional Research Service report, there are now more than 1,000 grizzlies in Montana’s Northern Continental Divide ecosystem and more than 700 in the Greater Yellowstone region spanning Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

Conservatives online quickly jumped into the debate — though not everyone agreed with Zinke’s push.

Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren fired back on X, saying: “If you go hiking in the woods you accept the risk of that.”

“If you want to hike in a safe space without wild animals in THEIR natural habitat, go to the fricken mall,” she added.

Others argued Americans are entering the bears’ territory and should expect danger in the wilderness.

Still, supporters of delisting say states — not Washington bureaucrats — should decide how to manage growing bear populations before more deadly encounters happen.

The fight over grizzlies has been brewing for years. During President Donald Trump’s first administration, Yellowstone-area grizzlies were briefly removed from the endangered species list in 2017 before a federal court restored protections after lawsuits from tribes and environmental activists.

In January 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service again rejected requests from Montana and Wyoming to remove federal protections, despite acknowledging recovery goals had been met.

Now, with fresh attacks making national headlines, Republicans are turning up the pressure once again — arguing the federal government is putting predators ahead of public safety.