Montana

Headless, pawless grizzly left in river by Montana wildlife officials stirs outrage – East Idaho News

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2024

Headless, pawless grizzly left in river by Montana wildlife officials stirs outrage – East Idaho News

GARDINER, Montana (Idaho Statesman) — The headless, pawless carcass of a beloved grizzly bear sits bloated in a Montana river near Yellowstone National Park — serving as a grisly reminder of how residents “failed” the bear, wildlife advocates say.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff shot and killed the food-conditioned bear in the Yellowstone River on July 18 after it broke into multiple homes almost every night for nearly two months, sometimes while residents were inside, McClatchy News previously reported.

Then wildlife officials cut off its head and paws and left the carcass there in the river. A gruesome photo of the carcass surfaced online early Monday, July 22, taken by a river guide who spotted it in the Yellowstone River near Gardiner, KBZK reported.

Many who saw the photo were upset, the station reported.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks spokesperson Morgan E. Jacobsen explained the decision to remove the head and paws from the carcass and leave the rest behind in the river. Wildlife officers shot the bear after it walked into the Yellowstone River, only minutes after it had broken into a house, Jacobsen told McClatchy News in an email.

“It was killed in the river because that location provided a safe opportunity for staff to do so, rather than staff attempting to shoot the bear in proximity to homes and people where the bear had been previously,” he said.

The carcass drifted down the river, under water and out of sight, Jacobsen said.

“When FWP staff recovered the carcass, it was in a location where it could not be removed from the river due to hazardous access and the bear’s size (500+ pounds),” he said. “FWP staff removed the head and the paws in compliance with requirements from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to remove any parts of potential monetary value.”

Because grizzlies are listed as an endangered species in the lower 48 states of the U.S., it’s illegal to traffic grizzly bear parts, Cowboy State Daily reported.

“Grizzly skulls and claws can be hot commodities in the illegal wildlife trade,” the outlet reported.

The agency had to kill another grizzly years before in roughly the same area, “and somebody got to the carcass before we could and took the head and paws,” Jacobsen told the outlet. “We didn’t want that to happen again.”

The agency will leave the carcass where it is — visible to people enjoying the river.

“Animal carcasses are common in wild places and are consumed by other wildlife,” Jacobsen told McClatchy News. “However, this is an unfortunate outcome for the bear. Residents, businesses and visitors can help reduce hazards and conflicts with wildlife and prevent the need to remove habituated animals by keeping attractants secured.”

That’s something one of the bear’s biggest fans, wildlife photographer Deby Dixon, will fiercely advocate for.

Dixon shared a long and heartfelt tribute to the bear she had grown to know and love after following Grizzly 769, nicknamed the Blacktail Lakes Bear, for over a decade.

“We failed this grizzly bear,” Dixon wrote in the July 24 post on Facebook.

“With great sadness, I say goodbye to grizzly bear 769, the Blacktail Lakes bear,” Dixon wrote. “I photographed this male grizzly at the Blacktail Lakes and around the park for about 10 years, right beside many other photographers and hundreds of visitors who were seeing their first grizzly bear in the wild.”

Dixon shared a photo she’d taken of the massive grizzly in the snow.

“Living in bear country is hard because it requires more diligence with food attractants than in other places,” she said. “But, anyone moving into areas around Yellowstone National Park knows, or should know, that there are grizzly bears in the area and they don’t stop at the invisible park boundary.”

As long as food rewards, including garbage and apples, are secured properly, “the bears will go away,” she added.

Dixon said she hopes “the next bear does not get any food and is not eventually killed while crossing the Yellowstone River.”

“I also feel the grief, pure sadness, that many feel knowing that 769 is now in the Yellowstone River, blown up by death and without head and paws, reminding rafters and fishermen of our failures to this bear,” she said. “ … Grizzly bear 769, you gave us so much over the years and in the end, we let you down. I will miss you at the Blacktail Lakes every spring – your burst of energy as you ran down the hill for the first time and scouted the waters for the food that was beneath the surface. Many of us will miss you.”

Several of the bear’s fans thanked Dixon for the eulogy and shared their own memories of Grizzly 769 in the comments.

“What an amazing bear he was!” someone said. “It’s so very sad his ending had to be so tragic. We can all learn something from this story and I do hope people who live in bear country take heed.”

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 13, 2026

Published

1 hour ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

16-40-56-64-66, Mega Ball: 04

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

21-32-34-35-38, Lucky Ball: 14

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

06-07-21-22, Bonus: 12

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Published

13 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Press Release | January 12, 2026

Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). A full-length expedition documentary will release February 7 at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, prior to its nationwide film tour.

This is a press release from BDR…

Photos By Miguel Santana / Courtesy of BDR

Seattle, WA – (January 9, 2026) — Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists, has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR).

The full-length expedition documentary will make its world premiere during the MTBDR Route Release Event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, before launching a nationwide film tour at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

About the Route

The MTBDR is BDR’s 23rd route and completes the final link in the Western BDR system, creating a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. The approximately 900-mile route begins in Island Park, Idaho, and travels north through Montana before ending near the U.S.–Canada border outside of Eureka.

Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Crossing more than 13 mountain ranges, the MTBDR takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, weaving together alpine ridgelines, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open ranchlands, and rugged two-track roads. Highlights include the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte, and the wild landscapes of the East Pioneer, Highland, and Cabinet Mountains.

Blending scenic gravel, flowing forest roads, and optional harder sections for more experienced riders, the MTBDR offers an ideal balance of accessibility and challenge. The route is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures.

With the release of the route, riders will have access to free GPS tracks, detailed travel resources, FAQs, route updates, and the official MTBDR Motorcycle Map, providing everything needed to plan a self-guided Montana backcountry adventure.

“The Montana BDR completes the last piece of the Western BDR puzzle, and it’s been one of the most anticipated routes we’ve ever created. It delivers on every level: big landscapes, remote riding, historic towns, and a true sense of exploration. This route does not disappoint.” ~ Bryce Stevens, MTBDR Co-Architect & BDR Co-Founder and Routes Development Director

Film & Route Release

The MTBDR documentary follows the BDR team and special guests as they verify and ride the route, capturing both the scale of Montana’s landscapes and the collaborative effort required to develop a route of this magnitude. The film also includes the next generation of BDR riders—the sons of BDR co-founders—reflecting the multi-generational nature of the community and how these routes are often best experienced when shared. It’s a reminder that the BDR legacy continues to grow, shaped by riders who are discovering these places for the first time.

The world film premiere and official route release will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, with members of the BDR team, route architects, and industry partners in attendance. Tickets for the premiere are available at www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 12:00 PM PST on February 7 at www.RideBDR.com. The waterproof MTBDR Motorcycle Map will be available for purchase through the BDR Online Store.

“As a Montana native, it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring this route to life. The MTBDR showcases the best of our state while supporting rural communities that rely on visitor travel. We’re excited to welcome riders from across the country to experience Montana responsibly and respectfully.” ~ Russ Ehnes, MTBDR Co-Architect & AMA Chairman of the Board

MTBDR Film Tour

Each year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs nationwide host screenings of BDR’s newest film, bringing the adventure riding community together for an evening of inspiration and connection.

Dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an MTBDR screening can now sign up at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRscreenings
Riders interested in attending a screening in their area can check the listing of screening at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRtour. More screenings are being added daily so check back if you don’t see a screening near you.

Route Sponsors

The MTBDR project was made possible through the support of key industry partners who share BDR’s commitment to adventure motorcycling, responsible travel, and public land access. Presenting sponsors include:

Triumph Motorcycles America returned for a second consecutive year as an OEM sponsor, providing Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycles for the expedition team. Triumph also supported the project with guest riders featured in the film, including Jeff Stanton of Jeff Stanton Adventures, a Triumph-accredited training and touring partner.
onX Offroad, the official navigation app of Backcountry Discovery Routes, supported the MTBDR by providing reliable, user-friendly navigation tools that helped the team verify the route and navigate safely throughout the expedition.
Quad Lock outfitted the MTBDR team with its patented phone mounting systems, allowing riders to securely mount their phones for navigation even on rough backcountry roads and rugged terrain.
Edelweiss Bike Travel, a leading global motorcycle tour company, continues its long-standing support of the adventure motorcycling community in the U.S. through its ongoing sponsorship of BDR routes and projects.

BDR is also grateful for the continued support of its industry partners, including:

Touratech, Mosko Moto, Motoz Tires, KLIM, Cardo Systems, Alpinestars, Rev’It!, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, West 38 Moto, Rogue Moto, Moto Camp Nerd, SoCal Offroad School, Fox Racing, Black Dog Cycle Works, Doubletake Mirror, REVER, Cyclops, Emmaus Moto Tous, ADV Rider Training, Giant Loop, and others.

For more information about the MTBDR, film screenings, and route details, visit www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 12, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

05-27-45-56-59, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

21-23-24-28-39, Lucky Ball: 01

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

09-20-25-30-51, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

01-14-22-29, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

11-23-24-54-56, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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