Bears were heavily food conditioned and habituated to humans

BOZEMAN – Game wardens and wildlife staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks responded recently to a report of alleged supplemental feeding of wild black bears at a residence north of Bozeman.

On Sept. 24 and 25, investigators found bears on the property that were extremely food conditioned and habituated to human presence. Due to human safety concerns from the bears’ behavior, 14 bears were captured and humanely euthanized. One cub was taken to FWP’s Montana WILD facility in Helena for possible placement at an accredited zoo.

“These bears were unafraid of humans and stopped relying on natural foods, which created a human safety risk. It’s very unfortunate they had to be euthanized,” said game warden Captain Josh Leonard. “An investigation into why the bears were on this property is ongoing.”

State law prohibits providing supplemental feed to game animals, including bears (MCA 87-6-216). When bears become accustomed to finding or receiving food from urban and residential areas, they lose the desire and ability to forage in natural, healthy ways. This behavior cannot be corrected through rehabilitation or relocation, and it creates human safety risks from bears that continue seeking food near or inside homes. Zoo placement is a very limited option that’s not always possible.

Euthanizing habituated, food-conditioned bears is an unfortunate action of last resort that becomes necessary because of threats to human safety and property at conflict sites and elsewhere.

FWP and other organizations work extensively to provide educational programs and resources to prevent conflicts between people and bears. This includes demonstrating how to use bear-resistant garbage cans, electric fencing and other tools to secure attractants. FWP also provides hands-on training for using bear spray. Educational information, resources and events on bear safety can be found on FWP’s website.

Montana is bear country. Residents can help prevent conflicts with bears by not feeding them and by keeping garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants secured at all times. Bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas. These steps help encourage healthy bear behavior and safer conditions for communities.

If you see a bear attempting to access garbage or other attractants near homes, vehicles or businesses, contact FWP as soon as possible. Reporting these cases early may allow some corrective management actions to happen before the behavior becomes habitual. When such events go unreported and bears become food conditioned, this results in risks to human safety and property that may require bears to be killed.