HELENA — The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has adopted regulations on the recreational trapping of coyotes and wolves in an effort to reduce the amount of accidental grizzly bear trapping.

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“This would aim to prevent any further incidents of incidental capture of grizzly bears while preserving the ability of trappers to continue to support the livestock industry by working with producers both on private lands and on any lots from which they may disposal,” said Dustin Temple, Director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The regulations were adopted at the commission’s meeting Tuesday and will impact western Montana, the Rocky Mountain Front and areas of Montana near Yellowstone National Park.

In these areas, wolf and coyote trapping would begin later on January 1 and end earlier on February 15.

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“Many coyote trappings occur outside of specific times when we think bears are sleeping. So we want to make sure that we have a way to mitigate the potential impact of recreational trapping on grizzly bears, so that we can continue. to show Montanans, the rest of the country and in particular that Fish and Wildlife Services are ready, willing and able to manage grizzly bears,” Temple said.

Trappers protecting livestock must complete and sign a declaration attesting that they have permission from the producer to trap on their land.

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The new rules also contain regulations that would go into effect if a grizzly bear is caught or injured in a foot trap or snare in grizzly bear country.

“One of the responsibilities the state has to fulfill in order to return this bear to state management is we have to show that we have a regulatory structure in place that will protect the bears (and) continue to ensure that they’re healthy,’” Temple says.

The regulations were opposed by environmental groups like Trap Free Montana and ranchers, who expressed concerns that their information was included in the declarations.

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“The changes to traps and snares will only apply once a grizzly bear is known to be trapped, but because we do not have mandatory trap checks, aside from two limited exceptions, the grizzly bear could be trapped for a week or more,” said KC York, president of Trap Free Montana. .

“Trapping is a controversial topic that deserves public debate, but these conversations should not take place on the doorsteps of ranchers who engage in legal and responsible activities to protect their livestock,” said Montana Farm Representative Karli Johnson Bureau Federation.

The regulations cover the 2024 trapping season.

Find more information on trapping regulations here.