I decided to write to the CSM.
"Story Hinckley's article on the possible delisting of the grizzly in the GYA is full of inaccuracies. I understand she's an intern but journalistic ethics dictate that she make numerous corrections. First of all, she lists the estimated number of grizzlies existing now in the Greater Yellowstone Area but neglects to list the goal that was initially set for delisting and management: 500 animals. There are now 50% more animals than needed for species recovery and management. Secondly, she talks about "unregulated hunting of grizzlies". There is no unregulated hunting anywhere in the US. Even populations of wildlife which have open seasons are monitored and regulated. And, if grizzlies were to be listed as a game species, the regulations and restrictions would be very tight - how incredibly misleading. She talks about what a loss of revenue this would lead to by not having grizzlies on the side of the road within the Park. HUNTING ISN'T ALLOWED IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. Again, this statement is so misleading and inflammatory, utilizing fear to get people stirred up to oppose delisting or management of these animals. She quotes that "60 percent of experts “believe delisting would be an incorrect decision". Really? Because the carnivore experts at the Montana FWP and the USFWS disagree. Which experts is it that make up that 60%? Has she done her research to either back-up or debunk this claim? I'm sure Ms. Hinckley's love of wildlife is what had her write a story like this but she does no favors to the wildlife OR your readers by being so utterly (even purposely) inaccurate. The population of grizzlies in the GYA is large enough now where human-wildlife conflict is a weekly occurrence. Hunters are the main tool of the state F&W departments to keep healthy wildlife populations and habitat healthy by culling surplus animals. Because the grizzly has no fear of man and because its population has grown far past set recovery goals, conflicts, disease, negative affects on ungulate populations and livestock all will occur without sensible population management and are, in fact, already occurring. This article is a hack job. It should be corrected and Ms. Hinckley should be made aware of the responsibilities of an ethical journalist. Thank you for your consideration of my comments."
