Group petitions Wyoming governor to put off grizzly hunt

JACKSON, Wyo. – The National Parks Conservation Association has turned in a petition with about 33,000 signatures calling on Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead to put off or curtail a planned grizzly bear hunt.

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports 413 of the petition’s signatures originated in Wyoming.

Wyoming’s proposed hunt will be considered by the state Game and Fish Commission on May 23. It would set a hunting quota of 10 males and one female grizzly in areas adjacent to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, with additional permits available statewide.

Stephanie Adams of the National Parks Conservation Association says her organization is concerned that the hunt will jeopardize the grizzly population.

Idaho also recently approved a hunt for one male grizzly, and Montana decided not to hold a hunt this year.