Relocation Fails. Another Habituated Montana Bear Euthanized

Bold behavior caused by conditioning to unnatural food sources.

It's a common theme that often leads to drastic measures. And in this case, irritating shocks, trapping and relocating just weren't enough.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that an adult male grizzly bear was euthanized recently after a series of conflicts with chicken coops, garbage, and other attractants near homes over the last month.

Specialists say 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. He 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 partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, trapped and relocated 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 feed, and chicken coops. Even though local residents secured these attractants, the bear remained near Elliston, spending time near people, homes, and small livestock.

These habits are extremely hard to break and cause concern for human safety. The grizzly was recaptured August 28 and euthanized.

People can help reduce the risk of bear conflicts.  Pet and livestock food, garbage, barbecue grills, and bird feeders can also all be attractants and should be secured to help prevent potential habitual behavior. September is Bear Aware Month in Montana. There is lots of interesting, helpful information and advice on this page of the Montana FWP website.