In this episode, we explore the precarious existence of grizzly bears in the United States, focusing on their survival challenges and the intricate interplay between human development and wildlife conservation. From the historical land grabbing and habitat destruction to the current threats posed by climate change, we delve into the struggles of maintaining genetic diversity and the critical need for interconnected habitats. With insights from experts and advocates like Doug Peacock and Terry Tempest Williams, we discuss the pressing issues of delisting, trophy hunting, and the impact of climate change on grizzly bear populations. Join us as we examine the role of grizzlies in our ecosystem and the urgent need for coexistence to ensure their survival and ours.
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Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wild and Their Battle for Survival
In the vast wilderness of the United States, a silent struggle unfolds as grizzly bears fight for survival against the relentless march of human progress and climate change. Our latest podcast episode delves into the complex world of these majestic creatures, revealing the challenges they face and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Grizzly bears, once roaming freely across the continent, have been pushed to the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, trophy hunting, and climate change. With only a fraction of their historical range remaining, these bears are now confined to isolated populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Northern Continental Divide. The lack of genetic diversity and interconnected habitats poses a significant threat to their long-term survival.
Experts like Doug Peacock and Terry Tempest Williams emphasize the critical role grizzlies play in our ecosystem. They serve as a powerful reminder of our place in the natural world, urging us to confront our impact on the environment. As climate change continues to devastate their food sources, grizzlies are forced to venture into human territories in search of sustenance, leading to increased conflicts and fatalities.
STORY: George Wuerthner: Habitat Conservation, Not Hunting, Saves Grizzly Bears
We include clips from four documentaries on the grizzly bear.
Grizzly Country: https://youtu.be/2_XPRozm4CI?si=M7XpfUKCTuFUCB98
Directed by Ben Moon, presented by Peak Design
The Beast of Our Time: Climate Change and Grizzly Bears: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cfuSIlEIyY
Produced by Save the Yellowstone Grizzly and Never Give Up Films
Peacock’s War: https://youtu.be/2KJ-ia0O71U?si=8aPXc2MG05sKCgMc
Peacock’s War, PBS Nature profiles Vietnam veteran Doug Peacock, who’s battling to protect grizzly bears while dealing with war memories. Filmed in Montana’s Glacier National Park.
Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons – PBS Nature Documentary: https://youtu.be/9gXa-bs_9i0?si=_BrGyekmC0h0rPIC
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The episode also highlights the efforts of conservationists and advocates who strive to protect and restore grizzly populations. From challenging delisting proposals to promoting coexistence with humans, these individuals are at the forefront of the battle to save these iconic animals. Yet, the path to recovery is fraught with obstacles, as political and economic interests often overshadow the needs of wildlife.
As we explore the stories of those who live and work alongside grizzlies, we are reminded of the delicate balance between human development and wildlife preservation. The fate of these bears is intertwined with our own, and their survival hinges on our willingness to embrace coexistence and protect their habitats.
Join us in this eye-opening episode as we uncover the plight of grizzly bears and the urgent call to action for their conservation. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world where these magnificent creatures continue to roam free.
Doug Peacock, [https://dougpeacock.net/] born in 1942, is a U.S. author, filmmaker, naturalist, and Vietnam War veteran. He is best known for his work dedicated to grizzly bear recovery in the lower-48, his book Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness and serving as the model for the well-known character George Washington Hayduke in Edward Abbey’s novel The Monkey Wrench Gang.
His other books include ¡Baja!, Walking It Off: A Veteran’s Chronicle of War and Wilderness, and The Essential Grizzly: The Mingled Fates of Men and Bears (co-authored with Andrea Peacock). His latest book, Was It Worth It: A Wilderness Warrior’s Long Trail Home, won the 2023 National Outdoor Book Award, and a 2022 award for literature from the American Academy of Arts & Letters.
Doug is the co-founder of several conservation organizations including Round River Conservation Studies and Save The Yellowstone Grizzly.
Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes photo essay dispatches on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.
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Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 241
Updated 30 September 2025
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