The Bridger-Teton National Forest has temporarily approved cattle grazing in the Elk Ridge complex, a 48-square-mile area in the Gros Ventre Range, despite concerns over grizzly bear conflict. The decision has sparked controversy among rangeland watchdogs, who argue that the Forest Service did not follow proper procedures and ignored the potential risks to grizzly bears.

Background

The Elk Ridge complex was previously used for sheep grazing, but a 2016 voluntary buyout deal retired the allotments from sheep grazing to protect bighorn sheep. However, the Forest Service has now approved the temporary use of the allotments for cattle grazing, citing a 2025 wildfire that damaged adjacent rangeland.

The Upper Green River Cattlemen’s Association will be allowed to graze up to 650 cattle in the area for two years, despite concerns from conservation groups and local residents. The Forest Service claims that the temporary grazing will help support the recovery of the fire-damaged area, but critics argue that the decision was made without proper environmental analysis and public input.

Concerns Over Grizzly Bear Conflict

The Elk Ridge complex is located in an area with a high concentration of grizzly bears, and there have been numerous conflicts between bears and cattle in the past. Between 2010 and 2024, there were 964 confirmed conflicts on the Upper Green allotments, resulting in the deaths of 50 grizzly bears.

Conservation groups and local residents are concerned that the reintroduction of cattle grazing will exacerbate the conflict and put both bears and cattle at risk. They argue that the Forest Service should have conducted a more thorough environmental analysis and consulted with the public before making the decision.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.