Several environmental groups followed through on their threats to sue the U.S. government. They want grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region placed back on the Endangered Species List.
In June of 2017, Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the grizzly population in the area as recovered and returned management to state and tribal authorities. The announcement did not affect grizzly populations in other parts of the nation.
As part of its official public comment, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation earlier agreed with scientists that the population is recovered and recovery criteria have been met. RMEF also maintains that grizzlies, like elk, black bears, deer and other wildlife, should be managed by state agencies.