Ellis Julin

The first time a grizzly has been spotted there since bear recovery began in the 1970s.

The regions around Yellowstone and Glacier National Park support the two largest populations of bears in Montana.

As their numbers grow, the bears are seeking out new habitat in their historic ranges.

Congress is currently considering legislation to take these bears off the endangered species list.

Montana and Wyoming state officials say this population has sufficiently recovered and are requesting grizzlies be delisted.

U.S.

Fish and Wildlife last January rejected state's petitions to delist bears in the lower 48.

For NPR News, I'm Ellis Ju Lin in Missoula, Montana.