ELLISTON – An adult male grizzly bear was euthanized last week after a series of conflicts with chicken coops, garbage, and other attractants near homes over the last month.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife specialists reported that the conflicts began in early August in the Elk Park area north of Butte where the three-year old male grizzly found chicken feed and then broke into a chicken coop. FWP worked with local residents to install electric fencing and secure other nearby attractants to prevent more conflicts.
The bear was deterred by the electric fencing, but still remained in the area, persistently looking for other attractants around homes. FWP, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), set a trap to capture and relocate the bear away from the area.
A few weeks later the bear showed up again, this time in the Elliston area, looking for garbage, chicken food, and chicken coops. FWP worked with local residents to secure these attractants, but the bear remained, spending time near people, homes, and small livestock.
The bear was exhibiting bold behavior that indicates it was conditioned to unnatural food sources. This is a habit that is very hard to break and causes human safety concerns, as bears actively pursue food and other attractants in and around homes, ranches, and other occupied areas instead of returning to natural food sources.
USFWS authorized removal of the bear, and the bear was trapped Aug. 28 and euthanized. Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and the USFWS has final authority regarding management actions.
People can help reduce the risk of bear conflicts by using electric fencing around small livestock. Pet and livestock food, garbage, barbecue grills, and bird feeders can also all be attractants and should be secured to help prevent bear conflicts. FWP and USFWS specialists work to help landowners and communities avoid bear conflicts. If you see a bear or sign near your residence that may result in a conflict, call your local bear specialist at the contact number found on FWP’s website: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact.
For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visitfwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.
