Today we’re sharing an episode from Working Wild University, our award-winning documentary podcast about the people and wildlife of the American West. Western Landowners Alliance produces this show in partnership with Dr. Jared Beaver, a wildlife extension specialist at Montana State University. Our first season is all about wolves on working lands, and our latest season explores community and landowner-led conservation, from arctic grayling to grizzly bears to pollinators. Be sure to check out Working Wild U wherever you listen to podcasts. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the grizzly bear’s listing under the Endangered Species Act, and a public comment period is open. But what exactly would this new rule mean for grizzly bear management, landowners, and the future of the species? 

In this episode, Jared and Zach sit down with Shaleas Harrison, Wyoming resources coordinator with Western Landowners Alliance, to break down the proposed rule, the long history of grizzly bear listing and delisting efforts, and what the proposed changes could mean for people living and working in grizzly country. 

On Friday, March 14th, two days after we recorded this conversation with Shaleas Harrison, the USFWS announced that it was extending the public comment period 60 days, from March 17th to May 16th, 2025.

Listen

Links from this episode

Learn more about the proposed rule and submit a public comment.

Press Release: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Update to Grizzly Bear Listing and Management

Credits

Working Wild U is a production of Montana State University Extension and Western Landowners Alliance. Thanks to Shaleas Harrison for joining us. 

This episode was produced by Zach Altman and executive produced by Jared Beaver and Louis Wertz. 

Music is from Artlist and Blue Dot Sessions.   

Please support the show by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts.