Grizzly bear deaths rise as Yellowstone population grows

(AP) — The number of grizzly bear deaths or removals in the Yellowstone region climbed to an all-time high in 2015, but biologists say they're not worried about the animal's long-term survival in the area.

The known or suspected deaths of 55 bears shouldn't interfere with plans to remove the region's grizzlies from protection under the Endangered Species Act, Frank van Manen, leader of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, said Wednesday.

The team of state and federal scientists and biologists estimates more than 700 grizzlies live in the Yellowstone region spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

Wildlife managers this year euthanized 24 grizzlies for a variety of run-ins with people, property or livestock.

Zoos took in four of those bears' cubs, including two cubs that belonged to a grizzly sow that killed a hiker in Yellowstone National Park in August.

Hunters killed many of those grizzlies, and law enforcement officers are withholding details until they sort out what happened, according to van Manen.