The Bear Facts

By Grace A. Wang

Abstract

In this decision case, students consider the pros and cons of reintroducing grizzly bears into the northwestern United States as they learn about natural resource policy and the wildlife management decision-making process. Students consider four different approaches to grizzly bear recovery and management in the Bitterroot Ecosystem. As part of this, they assume the viewpoint of a stakeholder group, including environmentalists, government officials, residents, hunters, natural resource managers, ranchers, loggers, American Indians, wildlife biologists, and the tourist/recreation industry. The case was developed for use in an upper-division natural resource policy course.

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Date Posted

06/01/1999

Overview

Objectives

Apply natural resource policy to "real life" wildlife management case in the western United States.
Learn and apply basic provisions of the Endangered Species Act, and understand the political processes related to its mandate.
Critically read and understand federal legislation and government documents (environmental impact statements).
Develop critical thinking skills and learn to support arguments (pro and con) with facts.
Work collaboratively to come to consensus on a contentious issue.
Learn to separate fact from opinion and emotional arguments.

Keywords

Grizzly bear; Ursus arctos horribilis; endangered species; environmental decision-making; Idaho; Montana; Bitterroot Selway Ecosystem

Subject Headings

Ecology

Environmental Science

Natural Resource Management

Wildlife Management

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues, Regulatory issues, Scientific argumentation, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Jig-Saw, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

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