GREAT FALLS — Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks captured a grizzly bear near Columbia Falls and moved it to a remote location in the North Fork Flathead River drainage.
FWP said in a press release that the 242-pound subadult male bear was eating from fruit trees and garbage on private property north of U.S. Highway 2 off North Hilltop Road. FWP captured the bear November 14 to prevent food conditioning and habituation to people. The bear was fitted with a GPS collar.
FWP moved the bear to a remote location on the Flathead National Forest near Whale Creek in consultation with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and in accordance with Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Guidelines.
- Grizzly bear killed after several incidents, including one human attack
- Two grizzlies will be relocated after livestock death near Valier
- 2 grizzly bears relocated from the Flathead Valley
- 2 grizzly bears relocated from the Flathead Valley
- Grizzly bear killed after raiding occupied back-country camps west of Augusta
- 2 grizzly bear attacks within 12 hours in Montana
- Grizzly bear euthanized; 2 cubs sent to Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
People are encouraged to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage and bird feeders and bird seed. Chicken and livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door. Recreationists are urged to “ Be Bear Aware ” and follow precautionary steps and tips to prevent conflicts, such as carrying bear spray.
For more information on grizzly bears, bear resistant containers, and food storage guidelines visit the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee website .
