Review of Wyoming Grizzly Bear Rules Draws Opinions

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A public meeting in Jackson on proposed regulations for state management of grizzly bears in Wyoming drew differing opinions on whether hunting of the bears should be allowed in some areas.

About 130 people showed up for the meeting held Tuesday by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that some speakers spoke against any hunting of grizzly bears, saying the bears can't recognize when they are in areas safe from hunting and when they are not. Others countered that hunters don't want to wipe out grizzly bears, noting that a sustainable population of grizzlies is in the interest of hunters.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed lifting protections for more than 700 grizzlies in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.