predators in the mountain west. Wolves have a total of 1 fatality in the U.S. ever, and when was the last time you heard of a black bear or coyote mauling (or fatality)? Because of the higher risk they pose their numbers should be monitored more closely and kept more in check (though I certainly don't advocate for eradication or extirpation) - not all predators are equal.

And hunting is the best way to reinforce the fear you mention (but don't seem to believe in). If you opened a hunting season in Yellowstone or Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park for elk, it'd take them less than a year to change their behavior. And if elk can figure it out, grizzlies would definitely figure it out - they'd quickly learn and adapt to avoid human contact and areas frequented by humans like trails.

As far as genetic diversity - the grizzlies in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem have been all but isolated for the last 60 years with no detectable genetic defects or fecundity problems.