This bill would establish federal protections for bison, grizzly bears, and wolves across the United States, with a particular focus on restoring these species to tribal lands and partnering with Native American tribes in their management. The legislation makes it illegal to hunt, capture, or kill these animals with limited exceptions for self-defense, tribal cultural and religious purposes, and certain population management needs approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000 and criminal penalties ranging from up to one year in prison and $50,000 in fines for first offenses to two years and $75,000 for repeat violations.
The bill creates three new committees—one for each species—composed of tribal representatives, federal and state wildlife experts, and scientific representatives to guide restoration efforts based on the best available science. Beginning in 2025, the bill would allow landowners to voluntarily donate grazing permits to the government to reduce conflicts between livestock and these animals. Within two years of enactment, the committees must identify suitable tribal lands and federal areas for reintroducing these species, and tribes can then request reintroduction assistance from the federal government. The legislation emphasizes tribal co-management and consultation before any major federal action affecting these species or their habitats.
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