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Montana wildlife regulators would allow the killing of up to 10 grizzly bears each year if the U.S. government decides to remove federal protections for grizzlies in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials approved the rules Wednesday. The state, along with Wyoming and Idaho, would take over management of grizzlies if they come off the federal threatened species list -- a decision expected next spring.

Hunters in Montana would be allowed to kill only one bear in their lifetime, and a hunter who draws a license in the annual lottery would have to wait seven years before receiving another.

The new rules create seven separate grizzly hunting regions so that there is no overhunting in one particular area, and they bar killing a bear that is with another bear to protect females and cubs. They also set two seasons, one in early spring and the other in late fall, to protect females with cubs, which tend to go to their dens earlier in the fall and emerge later in the spring than males.

Hunting licenses would cost Montana residents $150 and non-residents $1,000, and hunters would be required to take a training course.

If a hunter kills a bear, he or she would have to report it within 12 hours, under the new rules.