A Pragmatic Approach to Grizzly Bear Conservation

Progress in grizzly bear ( Ursus arctos horribilis ) conservation in the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the United States is urgently needed. Human-caused mortality is the appropriate focal point for understanding the problem. This issue has a number of dimensions, but the human dimensions are by far the most complex and difficult to analyze. Conducting analyses and implementing conservation plans at the site or local level makes optimal use of humans' limited cognitive capabilities. Neither maintaining the status quo in grizzly bear conservation nor relying solely on major reform is a viable strategy. Instead, concerned people should take a pragmatic approach to developing innovative processes for forming reason-based public opinions that in turn inform effective public policies. There are many benefits to such an approach and, given the lack of viable alternatives, it should be tested with a pilot project by the appropriate people and organizations.