“The Yellowstone grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) has been expanding its range durring the past two decades and now occupies historic habitats that had been vacant.” (Abstract)

“The current distribution (1990-2000) extends beyond the recovery zone identified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Recovery Plan. Range expansion is particularly evident in the southern portion of the ecosystem in Wyoming. A comparison of our results from the 1990s to previously published distribution maps show an approximate increase in occupied habitat of 48% and 34% from the 1970s and 1980s, respectively.” (Abstract)

“Additional research is needed to determine if some habitats outside of this polygon are occupied. These areas include: (1) the Gravelly Mountain Range, (2) northen portions of the Gallatin National Forest, particularly on the Boulder Plateau, (3) that portion of Custer National Forest contained in the GYE, and (4) portions of the Targhee National Forest on the Pitchstone Plateau and the Centennial Mountains.” (209)

“...17% to 34% (depending upon which coverage is used) of currently occupied habitat is not covered by any specific habitat standards or guidelines associated with the Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Strategy (USFWS 2000a).” (210)

“Grizzly bears in the GYE are effectively a single population and sound conservation practices must focus on all occupied habitats.” (210)