Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

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Supporting Statement A
for paperwork reduction act submission

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife,
Experimental Populations – Grizzly Bear (50 CFR 17.84)
OMB Control Number 1018-0199

Terms of Clearance:  None.

1.	Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.  Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.  

Individuals of designated experimental populations for species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) are categorically protected.  Documentation of human-related mortalities, recovery of dead specimens, animal husbandry actions necessary to manage the population, and other types of take related to the status of experimental populations is important for monitoring the success of reintroduction efforts and recovery efforts in general.  To minimize potential conflict with humans that could undermine recovery efforts, livestock depredations connected with experimental populations of listed species require prompt attention for purposes of determining the location, timing, and nature of the predatory behavior involved, accurate determination of the species responsible for a livestock kill, and the timely application of necessary control measures.  We collect information in nonform format.  The information collection requirements are in 50 CFR 17.84(y).

On May 3, 2024, we published final regulations (87 FR 36982) which established a nonessential experimental population (NEP) of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE), under section 10(j) of the ESA.  Establishment of this NEP supports the reintroduction of grizzly bears to the NCE and provides the prohibitions and exemptions under the Act necessary and appropriate to conserve that species within a defined NEP area.  The geographic boundaries of the NEP includes most of the State of Washington, except for an area around the Selkirk Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone in northeastern Washington.  The best available data indicated that reintroduction of the grizzly bear to the NCE as a NEP is biologically feasible and promotes the conservation of the species.

2.	Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used.  Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.  Be specific.  If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.  

Experimental populations established under section 10(j) of the ESA, as amended, require information collection and reporting to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we).  We collect information on the experimental population listed in 50 CFR 17.84(y) to help further the recovery of the species and to assess the success of the reintroduced populations.  

There are no forms associated with this information collection.  We propose to collect the following information where we have authorized harassment or lethal take of experimental animals (e.g., depredation of livestock or guard dogs, or in defense of human life):

Reporting Requirements
The respondents would notify the Service when an incident occurred and annually report the number of grizzly bears relocated and removed.  Other Federal agencies would provide the Service with the vast majority of the information on experimental populations under cooperative agreements for the conduct of the recovery programs.  However, the public also would provide some information to the Service.  Reporting parties would include, but would not be limited to, individuals or households, businesses, farms, nonprofit organizations, and State/local/Tribal governments.  The Service would  collect the information by means of telephone calls from the Standard information collected would include:

    • Name, address, and phone number of reporting party.
    • Species involved.
    • Type of incident.
    • Take (quantity).
    • Location and time of reported incident.
    • Description of the circumstances related to the incident.  

Some of these contacts would be necessary follow-up reports under rules where the Service has authorized deterrence or lethal take of experimental animals (e.g., livestock depredation or in defense of human life).  The Service would collect information in three categories:

    • Lethal take.  This type of take must be reported by individuals within 24 hours to the Service’s Ecological Service point of contact in this rule.  Lethal take must be reported by a Federal, State, or Tribal authority of an authorized agency within 24 hours by following the reporting instructions as described in the authorized agency’s MOU and included in an annual report to the Service.
    • Non-lethal take that results in injury.  This type of take by an individual must be reported within 5 days to the Service’s Ecological Service point of contact in this rule.  Non-lethal take that results in injury by a Federal, State, or Tribal authority of an authorized agency must be reported within 5 days by following the reporting instructions as described in the authorized agency’s MOU and included in an annual report to the Service.  Incidental take that results from indirect activities such as incidental take in the form of harm resulting from habitat modification does not need to be reported. 
    • Recovery or reporting of dead individuals and specimen collection from experimental populations.  This type of information is for the purpose of documenting incidental or authorized scientific collection.  Most of the contacts with the public would deal primarily with the reporting of sightings of experimental population animals, or the inadvertent discovery of an injured or dead individual.  

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) – The Service would enter into MOUs with Federal, State, or Tribal authorities to authorize grizzly bear management consistent with the 10(j) rule.  The Service does not expect to enter into MOUs with local governments or authorities.  We are not reporting burden for Federal agencies as they are exempt from the requirements of the PRA.  The Service would collect information in two general categories from the relevant agencies in relation to these MOUs, and the reporting requirements established in these MOUs are consistent with reporting requirements described above:

    • Relocation of grizzly bears.  With prior approval from the Service, a Federal, State, or Tribal authority may live-capture any grizzly bear occurring in the NEP area and transport and release in a remote location agreed to by the Service, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the applicable land managing agency.
    • Removal of grizzly bears involved in conflict.   Authorized Service, Federal, State, or Tribal authorities may lethally take a grizzly bear in the NEP area with prior approval from the Service if the Service or an authorized agency determine it is not reasonably possible to otherwise eliminate the threat by non-lethal deterrence or live-capturing and releasing the grizzly bear unharmed, and if the taking is done in a humane manner.  Grizzly bears may be taken in self-defense or in defense of other persons, based on a good-faith belief that the actions taken were to protect the person from bodily harm. 

Written Authorization-Conditioned Lethal Take (Individuals) – With prior written agreement from the Service, individuals may lethally take a grizzly bear within 200 yards (183 m) of legally present livestock in Management Areas B and C if a depredation has been confirmed by the Service or an authorized agency and it has been determined that it is not reasonably possible to eliminate the threat through non-lethal deterrence or live-capturing and releasing the grizzly bear unharmed.  Additionally, the Service may issue written authorization to an individual to kill a grizzly bear in Management Area C if the Service or an authorized agency identifies the grizzly bear as an ongoing threat to human safety, livestock, or other property (e.g., compost, chickens, beehives), and it is not reasonably possible to eliminate the threat through non-lethal deterrence or live-capturing and releasing the grizzly bear unharmed.

Recovery or reporting of dead individuals and specimen collection from experimental populations.  This type of information would be for the purpose of documenting incidental or authorized scientific collection and surrender of grizzly bear carcasses as the result of lethal take.  Most of the contacts with the public deal primarily would be with the reporting of sightings of experimental population animals, or the inadvertent discovery of an injured or dead individual.  

Obtaining Landowner/Land Management Entity Authorization – Individuals requesting the written authorizations mentioned above must obtain authorization from the landowner or land management entity, where appropriate.

The Service will use the information described above to document the locations of reintroduced animals, determine causes of mortality and conflict with human activities so that Service managers could minimize conflicts with people, and improve management techniques for reintroduction.  The information will help the Service assess the effectiveness of control activities and develop means to reduce problems with livestock for those species where depredation is a problem.  Service recovery specialists will use the information to determine the success of reintroductions in relation to established recovery plan goals for the threatened and endangered species involved.

3.	Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection.  Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

Each reported incident is unique and those individuals responding generally are able to communicate details verbally via telephone, facsimile, or in writing.  Due to limitations in funding and staff time, we do not have any plans to create a system for electronic submission of reported incidents, or to make the information available to the public over the internet, which might actually take longer to use than a simple telephone call for most responders.

4.	Describe efforts to identify duplication.  Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.   

Requested information is not available from any other source.  We work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture/APHIS Division of Wildlife Damage Management, and other Federal agencies as necessary, when investigating or confirming information received regarding any of the experimental populations.  There is some potential for duplication if someone contacts both the Service and another agency regarding an experimental animal, but generally there is sufficient information available to the public through interagency outreach efforts to make reporting well known.  We work closely with cooperating agencies to minimize any duplication in reporting.  

5.	If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

This collection will not have a significant impact on small entities.  There are no required forms or formats for the information we collect.  We collect only the minimum information necessary to describe the reported incident.

6.	Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

The current frequency and extent of information collection are necessary to collect sick, injured, or dead individuals where appropriate in order to aid sick or injured individuals or determine the cause of death and assess health of the individual and the status of the experimental populations that have been introduced to suitable habitat as part of the species’ recovery goals.  The consequence of not collecting the information or reduced information collection would result in our inability to address the individuals’ needs and/or measure the implementation of these particular recovery goals.  There is no information already available that can be used in lieu of that supplied by the respondent.

7.	Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
	*	requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;
	*	requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
	*	requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
	*	requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;
	*	in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
	*	requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
	*	that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
	*	requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

We rely on prompt public reporting on the location of sick, injured, or orphaned individuals in order to implement the necessary animal husbandry and specimen collection activities.  In cooperation with the USDA/APHIS Division of Wildlife Damage Management, or other cooperating Federal agencies, we rely on prompt public reporting of depredation in order to 
resolve livestock-related problems.  Therefore, a time sensitive requirement for reporting problems (varies between 24 hours to 5 days, depending on type of report) to the appropriate Service office is necessary.  

8.	If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB.  Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments.  Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods.  There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation.  These circumstances should be explained.

On March 12, 2026, we published in the Federal Register (91 FR 12211) a notice of our intent to request that OMB approve this information collection.  In that notice, we solicited comments for 60 days, ending on May 11, 2026.  We also published the Federal Register notice on Regulations.gov (Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465).  We received the following comment in response to that notice:

Comment 1:  Electronic comment received from Michael Robinson, Senior Conservation Advocate, with the Center for Biological Diversity submitted via Regulations.gov (FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0014) on May 12, 2026.  The commenter suggested that we collect information related to instances of take that occur incidental to, and not as the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity, such as incidental take that is authorized in the 10(j) rule for grizzly bears in the North Cascades Ecosystem. For such incidental take, in addition to the information currently required to be reported pertaining to lethal or permanently-injurious take, the Service should collect the following three categories of information: 

1)	Occurrences of non-lethal, temporarily-injurious incidental take. 
2)	The detailed circumstances surrounding each occurrence of incidental take. 
3)	Any measures undertaken or intended to be undertaken to reduce the likelihood of such incidental take in the future.
  
Agency Response to Comment 1:  We appreciate the suggestion to collect additional information related to incidental take; however, collecting additional information on minor or temporary incidental take events would not provide data that meaningfully improves management of the experimental population. The Service’s reporting requirements are intentionally focused on information that is directly relevant to conservation and conflict management, such as lethal take, injurious non‑lethal take, recovery of dead individuals, and management actions conducted under MOUs. Expanding reporting to include detailed documentation of incidental take would create unnecessary burden for the public and cooperating agencies without adding value to population monitoring or recovery efforts. For these reasons, the Service is not adopting the suggested changes.

The remaining comments identified below received did not address the information collection requirements and therefore, no response is required:

Comment ID
Name
Date Submitted
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0002
Friel, Bob
March 13, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0003
Anonymous
March 18, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0004
Woodruff, Dana
March 19, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0005
High Country Observations
March 20, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0006
Smith, Randy
March 26, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0007
Lykins, Denny
March 27, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0008
Scharin, Lisa
March 30, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0009
Anonymous
April 30, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0011
Anonymous
April 30, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0012
Kappelman, John
May 11, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0013
Grover, Herb
May 11, 2026
FWS-HQ-ES-2025-1465-0015
Int’l Wildlife Coexistence Network
May 10, 2026

Because no grizzly bears have been reintroduced as part of this NEP, no information has been collected under this information collection. As a result, we were unable to consult with any specific individuals to validate our burden since no data has been submitted to date.

9.	Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

We do not provide payments or gifts to respondents.

10.	Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

We do not provide any assurances of confidentiality.  This collection does not constitute a system of records under the Privacy Act of 1974 because the records are neither about individuals nor retrieved by a unique identifier assigned to an individual.  To the extent any personal information may be collected it would be handled in accordance with the Department of Interior Privacy Policy available at https://www.doi.gov/privacy. 

11.	Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.  This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.  

We do not ask questions of a sensitive nature.

12.	Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.  The statement should:
	*	Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated.  Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates.  Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable.  If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance.  Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
	*	If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.
	*	Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.  The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here.  

We anticipate receiving approximately 15 responses annually, totaling 15 annual burden hours (rounded).  We estimate the total dollar value of the annual burden hours for this collection to be $831 (rounded).  

We used Table 1 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) News Release USDL-26-0827, June 12, 2026, Employer Costs for Employee Compensation—March 2026, to calculate the cost of the total annual burden hours:

    • Individuals – the hourly rate for all workers is $49.32, including benefits.
    • Private Sector – the hourly rate for all workers is $46.60, including benefits.
    • Government – the hourly rate for all workers is $66.41, including benefits.

We are reporting a placeholder of 1 response per requirement and will update these burden estimates with the accurate response rates with next renewal of this collection following introductions of grizzly.

NOTE:  We anticipate authorizing Federal agencies under Memorandums of Understanding – Relocation of Bears and Memorandums of Understanding – Removal of Grizzly Bears; however, the burden is not reported here as they are exempt from the PRA.

						$ Value
	Number of	Number of	Total	Average		of Annual
	Annual	Responses	Annual	Completion	Total Annual	Burden
	Respondents	Each	Responses	Time (Hours)	Burden Hours*	Hours
Notification – Lethal Take
	Individuals	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	$ 49.32
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Private Sector	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	46.60
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Government	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	66.41
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
Notification – Non-lethal Take
	Individuals	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	$ 49.32
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Private Sector	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	46.60
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Government	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	66.41
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
Notification – Recovery or Reporting of Dead Specimen and Specimen Collection
	Individuals	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	$ 49.32
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Private Sector	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	46.60
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Government	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	66.41
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
Memorandums of Understanding – Relocation of Grizzly Bears
	Government	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	66.41
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
Memorandums of Understanding – Removal of Grizzly Bears
	Government	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	66.41
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
Written Authorization – Conditioned Lethal Take
	Individuals	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	$ 49.32
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
Obtaining Landowner/Land Management Entity Authorization
	Individuals	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	$ 49.32
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Private Sector	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	46.60
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
	Government	1	1	1	30 mins (Reporting)	1	66.41
					30 mins (Recordkeeping)
TOTALS:	15		15			15	$ 831.46
*Rounded to match ROCIS

13.	Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information.  (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)
	*	The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.  The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing).  Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred.  Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
	*	If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance.  The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate.  In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
	*	Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.  

The only foreseeable non-hour burden cost to respondents would be a small cost for making a telephone call or sending a facsimile.  However, we do not expect that this would occur often, and any costs would be negligible.  

14.	Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.  Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.  

We estimate that the total cost to the Federal Government for receiving and processing the notifications as a result of this collection of information is $1,350 (rounded).  We multiplied the hourly weighted salary rate ($90.00) x total hours for Federal Government review (15) which results in an estimated annual cost to the Federal Government of $1,350.  

	These costs are primarily for staff time to receive the notifications via phone calls or facsimiles, and to process the information contained in the notification.  For each telephone call, we will write up a record of the telephone conversation.  We will then process the information received in the facsimile or telephone call and analyze the information to determine whether or not it has any significant impact on the affected experimental population.  

	Depending upon their geographic location, some employees are paid under a Federal salary table that includes locality pay.  We used the 2026 Office of Personnel Management’s Salary Tables as an average wage rate for each position listed (listed next to position name/grade).  To calculate benefits, we multiplied the hourly rate by 1.62 in accordance with the BLS News Release USDL-26-0827.  The time required for Federal Government employees to process and analyze the information contained in the notification will vary, but we estimate it will take an average of 1 hour per response. 

				Hourly	Time
			Hourly	Rate, Incl.	Spent On	Weighted
	Position/Grade	Locality	Rate	Benefits (x 1.62)	Collection	Average
Clerical (GS-07/05)	2026-SEA	$ 30.80	$  49.90	5%	$   2.50
Professional/technical (GS-12/05)	2026-SEA	54.63	88.50	45%	39.83
Professional/technical (GS-13/05)	2026-RUS	57.80	93.64	45%	42.14
Grizzly Bear Recovery Coord. (GS-14/05) 	2026-RUS	68.30	110.65	5%	5.53
				Weighted Average ($/hr)	$ 90.00

15.	Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

We are not reporting any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

16.	For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.  Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used.  Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.  

The information is only for internal tracking and use.  No publication of information is anticipated.

17.	If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

This is a regulatory requirement.  We will display the OMB Control Number and expiration date on appropriate documents.

18.  Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions." 

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.