In a request for additional funding, Deputy Director John Emmerich of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department estimated the grizzly bear population in Yellowstone to be at least 1,000, well over the official population estimate of 600.

A more accurate account of the grizzly bear population in the Yellowstone region is needed to get the grizzly bear taken off of the endangered species list and to determine how many grizzlies may be killed. Such a survey would cost approximately $12.9 million. Emmerich believes that the actual grizzly bear population is 40-60% higher than current estimates.

Game and Fish Director Scott Talbott believes that the number of grizzlies has been increasing between 4 and 7% per year.

In 2010, the Department of Game and Fish trapped and killed or relocated 65 bears.