POLSON – Tribal and federal authorities are looking for the public’s help in the wake of a pair of grizzly bear shootings.
The Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking information on the shooting of a female grizzly bear in the Moiese Valley that occurred on or about October 12, 2018. The bear was found shot to death in a field near Moiese Valley Road and Kuntz Lane.
Wildlife officials were then notified on October 19 of another injured grizzly bear with a large wound on its face north St. Ignatius in the area of Lemery and Watson roads. The female grizzly was located, captured and later euthanized due to the extent of her injuries.
The carcass was taken to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks lab in Bozeman where examination revealed the sow had been shot in the face at close range with birdshot.
Both female grizzlies were lactating at the time of death and may have had cubs of the year or yearlings.
Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call CSKT Tribal Dispatch at (406) 675-2700 or the Service Special Agent at (406) 329-3000.
Callers do not have to identify themselves and a reward of up to $3,000 is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
