(Montana – MFP) The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has approved a BNSF Railway plan that will provide funding for grizzly bear conservation in northwest Montana in return for a permit allowing it to “take” 19 of the federally protected animals over seven years.
The Habitat Conservation Plan approved by USFWS has been years in the making and comes after more than 60 bears were killed along the tracks in northwest Montana over the last 15 years.
Along with funding for conflict response and reduction, BNSF will support education and outreach efforts, including events and information about living and recreating safely in bear country.
This story was first reported by the Montana Free Press.
