Border fence raises concerns about wildlife. Environmentalists say barrier will do a better job stopping animals than undocumented workers

Border fence raises concerns about wildlife. Environmentalists say barrier will do a better job stopping animals than undocumented workers. By Arthur H. Rotstein. AP.

Tufts of grizzly fur being used to determine genetic health of population

In particular, researchers are looking to see if bears from the northwest corner of Montana have wandered into the Yellowstone ecosystem. To date, no,” [Charles] Schwartz said. Getting those genes into the greater Yellowstone ecosystem could provide a needed boost for the 550 to 600 grizzlies that live in and around the park.

“The GYE has the lowest diversity of the populations in the lower 48,” Schwartz said.

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As a result they are doing DNA analysis of bits of grizzly fur to see if the Yellowstone population needs genetic augmentation.

Story by Mike Stark. Billings Gazette.