GREAT FALLS – A grizzly bear was euthanized Monday after a cattle depredation on private land along the Rocky Mountain Front.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks had previously captured and radio collared the young adult male bear weighing 375 pounds near Simms earlier this month, and it was relocated at that time by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). Considering this, and in consultation with the USFWS, the bear was euthanized by U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services on March 25.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the USFWS, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear.

 

Here are some general tips to stay bear aware:

• Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.

• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.

• Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

• Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.

• Don't approach a bear.

Camping in bear country:

• Keep food and anything with a scent out of tents. 

• Dispose of garbage in bear-resistant containers; otherwise, take it with you and dispose of it properly elsewhere. Do not bury or burn garbage. 

• Properly store unattended food and anything else with a scent. Food storage options are:

  • Bear boxes 

  • Hard-sided vehicles (car, truck, RV). Avoid leaving attractants in vehicles for extended periods of time (backcountry trips) 

  • Certified bear-resistant containers 

  • Electric fencing 

Fishing in bear country:

• Make noise when approaching streams or rivers where visibility is poor and/or rushing water makes it difficult for bears to hear you approaching. 

• Carry bear spray on you, especially if you are wading or shore fishing. 

• When possible, clean fish at a designated fish-cleaning station, or at home. 

• If you live in bear country, place entrails and fish waste into the freezer until the morning of garbage day. Do not leave fish waste outside in garbage cans for multiple days, as bears will be attracted to the smell. 

• Cut filleted fish carcasses into smaller pieces that can be easily carried away in the current. 

• Toss all fish waste into deep, fast-moving currents. Do not leave entrails or other fish waste on the bank or in shallow water. 

• Store fish on ice in a certified bear-proof container. Coolers are not bear proof. If you use a cooler, keep it near you and closely attend it. 

Biking and running in bear country:

• Anyone traveling quickly on trails is at higher risk of surprising a bear. 

• Traveling fast around corners can increase the chance of an encounter. 

• Watch for signs of bear activity and avoid riding in these areas. 

• Avoid being on trails at night or at dusk or dawn. 

• Avoid riding fast on trails that feature seasonal food sources for bears, such as berries. 

• Do not run or ride while intentionally impacting your ability to hear natural noises (i.e. wearing ear buds or headphones). 

• Make noise when line of sight is poor. 

• When possible, ride in groups and stay together. 

• If you encounter a bear, stop, get off your bike, and follow bear encounter recommendations. 

• Never try to outrun or outride a bear. 

• Carry bear spray on your person not on your bicycle or backpack.