A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO GRIZZLY BEAR CONSERVATION

Progress in grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) conservation in the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the United States is urgently needed. H uman-caused mortality is the appropriate focal point for understanding the problem. This issue has a number of dimensions, but the human dim ensions are by far the most complex and difficult to analyze. Conducti ng analyses and implementing conservation plans at the site or local l evel makes optimal use of humans' limited cognitive capabilities. Neit her maintaining the status quo in grizzly bear conservation nor relyin g solely on major reform is a viable strategy. Indeed, concerned peopl e should take a pragmatic approach to developing innovative processes for forming reason-based public opinions that in turn inform effective public policies. There are many benefits to such an approach and, giv en the lack of viable alternative, it should be tested with a pilot pr oject by the appropriate people and organizations.