In Tier 2, states would assume much broader authority over day-to-day grizzly management, even while the species remains federally protected. Greg Gianforte on July 14 discusses the grizzly bear decision, flanked by Idaho Gov. A map of the proposed grizzly bear DPS boundary in the Lower 48 states, overlaid with the current recovery zones. FWP employs a dozen bear management specialists across Montana, which is home to roughly 2,000 grizzly bears, more than anywhere else in the Lower 48. Until then, the federal government’s draft proposal marks a potential new twist in the drama over grizzly management that’s been simmering for two decades.