CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Bear trapping efforts are underway at Yellowstone National Park as part of an annual count for the animals.

The Cody Enterprise reports that biologists began trapping grizzly bears at the park Monday and will continue through Oct. 31. A spokeswoman for the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, Suzanna Soileau, says most of the trapping will be conducted away from visitors. Signs warning of closed areas because of the bear work have been posted for hikers who venture into the backcountry.

The trapping is part of an ongoing study of Yellowstone grizzlies and mandated by the Endangered Species Act. This year's animal count comes as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed lifting threatened-species protections for Yellowstone-area grizzlies. The agency contends the bears are now a recovered species.

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