KALISPELL — A grizzly bear was euthanized last week after a series of conflicts with chicken coops and other attractants near homes in the Silver Butte area south of Libby.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife specialists received reports of the bear breaking into chicken coops, greenhouses, and storage sheds on residential properties near Barren Peak Road off U.S. Highway 2. There were also reports of the bear going onto porches of homes.
The male bear, estimated to be approximately 2 years old, 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.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized removal of the bear, and the bear was trapped 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: https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact.
Please report bear conflicts immediately to FWP or your tribal wildlife management agency. Addressing initial conflicts promptly can help avoid bears from becoming food conditioned or habituated.
In northwest Montana, contact:
- North portion of Flathead County and Eureka area – Justine Vallieres, 406-250-1265
- South portion of Flathead County – Erik Wenum, 406-250-0062
- Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem and Sanders County – Garrett Tovey, 406-291-1320
- Flathead Indian Reservation – Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program, 406-275-2774
For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visitfwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.
