KALISPELL — State wildlife officials say an adult female grizzly bear was euthanized on Tuesday after the bear and three cubs became food conditioned and broke into structures to obtain grain.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks captured the bears in the Seeley-Swan Valley. In accordance with Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines, the adult female was euthanized due to food conditioning, which occurs when wildlife lose natural foraging habits.
Two of the cubs are being sent to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. FWP was unable to capture the third cub and it stopped showing up at the trap site. Traps were pulled from the field and the cub will be given an opportunity to survive on its own.
FWP is encouraging people to report bear activity as soon as possible.
To report grizzly bear activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call FWP bear management specialists at (406) 250-1265. To report black bear and mountain lion activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call (406) 250-0062). To report bear activity in the Cabinet-Yaak area, call (406) 291-1320.
