Grizzly bears in the contiguous United States have been taken off — then put back on — the endangered species list twice since they were first labeled as threatened almost 50 years ago. Now, the issue is on the table again. Today, we get into the complicated science behind grizzly recovery, how humans have sliced up their habitat and what it will take to stitch that habitat back together again.

Interested in more charismatic megafauna? Email shortwave@npr.orgwe've love to consider covering your favorite on a future episode!

Listen to Short Wave on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Today's episode was produced by Rachel Carlson and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Maggie Luthar was the audio engineer. Berly McCoy checked the facts.

Copyright 2024 NPR

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate