Grizzly Rebound The greater Yellowstone population of grizzly bears has recovered and no longer needs protection from the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced last week. The DOI attributed its recommendation to three decades of successful conservation efforts. “Thanks to the work of many partners, more than 600 grizzlies now inhabit the Yellowstone ecosystem and the population is no longer threatened,” said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. The announcement garnered congratulations to all who contributed in reaching the milestone and prompted Wyoming game officials to announce that a hunting season would be instituted if the bears are removed from federal protection.