Under a new rule, grizzly bears would be protected by the Endangered Species Act in Washington, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

The Biden administration said Wednesday it will continue protecting about 2,000 grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains despite opposition from Republican-led states. Federal officials also said they would ease some restrictions as conflicts between bears and humans rise.

Environmentalists are applauding the much-anticipated decision from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but there is a catch.

Federal officials will be discussing their proposed grizzly bear rule at public meetings in the coming month.  One is set for the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d'Alene on Jan. 29.  An informational meeting will go from 3 p.