Bears euthanized after frequenting Northwest Montana homes

KALISPELL- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has been busy responding to studies of bears accessing unsecured meals attractants on residential properties throughout Northwest Montana.

The conflicts generally contain unsecured rubbish and rooster coops and FWP studies employees have additionally seen an uptick in conflicts involving bears going onto residential porches the place out of doors freezers or fridges are saved.

FWP recommends freezers and fridges to be saved inside garages, sheds, or different secured buildings to keep away from attracting a bear.

FWP employees captured and euthanized a feminine grizzly bear south of Libby within the Silver Butte space on June 23. The bear, estimated to be 3.5 years outdated, was first captured in the summertime of 2021 after killing unsecured chickens in Whitefish and relocated to the Puzzle Creek space close to Marias Move.

FWP obtained a report from a house owner within the Silver Butte space that their chickens had been killed. Employees responded and captured the feminine grizzly bear on the property. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) employees relocated the bear.

However in line with FWP, inside two days, the bear traveled greater than 10 miles to a residence close to the unique battle web site the place it killed chickens, tried to discover the house’s porch, and was sprayed with bear spray.

The bear additionally returned to the unique web site, the place it continued to point out curiosity within the rooster coop, which was now secured. The choice was then made to euthanize the bear in session with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee pointers.

“This bear traveled from the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem to the Cupboard-Yaak Ecosystem. We would like bears to journey between each ecosystems as a result of it’s good for restoration within the Cupboard-Yaak and good for the long-term well being of each populations,” mentioned FWP bear administration specialist Kim Annis. “However these bears gained’t achieve success in the event that they get into battle with unsecured meals attractants, like small livestock.”

FWP additionally studies that on June 22 a black bear was captured and euthanized a male black bear close to Swan Lake. The bear, estimated to be two years outdated, was beforehand captured north of Columbia Falls after consuming chickens on residential property.

The bear was moved right into a distant part of the forest however started approaching residences and breaking into unattended buildings, together with a house. The bear was meals conditioned and habituated to individuals.

State wildlife officers additionally captured and euthanized a male grizzly bear close to Lake Blaine north of Creston on June 27. The bear was initially captured close to Vaughn and moved to the Marias Move space earlier this spring.

In line with FWP, the bear, a yearling, traveled throughout the Flathead Vary, swam throughout Hungry Horse Reservoir and started frequenting residential properties alongside Lake Blaine, accessing rubbish and rooster coops. Resulting from its meals conditioning, FWP euthanized the bear in session with the USFWS.

Lastly, on June 29, FWP captured and euthanized a feminine black bear that was frequenting residential properties off Blanchard Lake close to Whitefish. The bear, estimated to be six years outdated, appeared to have well being points associated to tumors in its mouth and was entering into residential rubbish cans.

FWP notes Montana is bear nation and stopping a battle is less complicated than coping with one.

• Bear spray is a extremely efficient, non-lethal bear deterrent. Carry EPA-approved bear spray and know learn how to use it.
• Take away or safe meals attractants. Bear-resistant containers and a correctly constructed electrified fence are confirmed efficient at deterring bears.
• Don’t let bears linger in your yard or in shut proximity to house or different buildings as a result of this may result in habituation. Name an FWP specialist to assist deter bears if you’re not snug or ready to take action.
• Loud noise, reminiscent of banging pots and pans, utilizing an air horn or your automotive alarm, or shouting, is an efficient method to deter a bear on personal property.
• Notify your neighbors for those who do observe a bear within the space to assist make others conscious.
• By no means feed wildlife, particularly bears. Bears that turn out to be meals conditioned lose their pure foraging habits and pose a menace to human security. And it’s unlawful to feed bears in Montana.
• All the time hold a protected distance from wildlife. By no means method a bear.

If you happen to see a bear close to your residence or must report a battle, please name your native bear specialist. Extra information at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact.