KALISPELL – Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks reports that three grizzly bears have died recently in our region, two of apparent natural causes, and another hit by a train.
A male grizzly cub was killed on railroad tracks near Columbia Falls. BNSF Railway reported hitting him near North Hilltop Road on Nov. 8.
FWP responded and did not find any evidence of attractants at the site, or any other bears involved.
Additionally, two other bears were found dead in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem within the last month.
An adult female grizzly was found dead near Sullivan Creek southwest of Hungry Horse Reservoir and another was found dead near Wildcat Creek west of Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Both were wearing GPS radio collars that notified FWP of their deaths.
Investigators determined that both animals likely died of natural causes.
So far this year, 48 grizzly bears have died in this ecosystem.