Seattle, WA – The National Park Service and the US Department of Fish and Wildlife plan to reintroduce grizzlies to one of their former ecosystems: Seattle, WA. “It is time to let grizzlies return to their homeland and natural habitat,” said Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt.
The plan calls for bringing in bears from Montana and British Columbia and relocating them to downtown Seattle. The goal is to eventually transfer 120 bears over three years. The plan also calls for turning most of downtown Seattle into prime grizzly habitat. “Most of downtown Seattle, from the waterfront to the I-5 freeway, will be converted to prime forestland,” said Bernhardt. “Only so many bears can be relocated to the North Cascades. It’s only fair for large urban areas like Seattle to absorb some of these bears now.”
The plan has drawn some criticism, however. Pike Place seafood retailer Mark Bohanan is worried about his business and customers with grizzlies roaming around. “My open-air market will be a prime target for these bears, with all the salmon lying and flying around,” said Bohanan. “Will my customers still come down here if there’s a chance they’ll be mauled or eaten alive? I don’t know. I need to think about this some more before I make a final decision.”
Others are more interested and support the effort. Mayor Jenny Durkan said that while she does have some concerns about citizens’ safety, she believes it is time to let a new apex creature other than humans roam the streets. “Grizzlies, while perceived as being dangerous, will be welcomed with open arms to our inclusive city. No person and no animal will ever be denied their rights in our city while I’m mayor,” said Durkan. “I’m ready for it and my armed personal security detail is ready for it.”
Secretary Bernhardt said Seattle will be the first of three cities to have these bears roaming the streets soon. “Portland and San Francisco, you’re next,” said Bernhardt.
