Grizzly euthanized in Teton County after killing cattle on private land
Federal wildlife services euthanized a young-adult male grizzly bear in Teton County on Monday after the bear killed cattle on private land.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said it previously caught and collared the bear, weighing 375 pounds, near Simms. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service relocated the bear shortly after.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services consulted with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, considering the previous relocation, and ultimately decided to euthanize the bear.
Grizzlies are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has management authority for grizzlies, but collaborate with other agencies and tribes through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
As the grizzly bear population continues to expand across Montana, residents can take the following steps to help protect their property and be safe while recreating, FWP said:
How to avoid attracting bears to your property:
- Store garbage in an IGBC-certified bear resistant bin or other similarly resistant building or container at all times until the day of disposal.
- Avoid leaving food or smell attractants next to windows, doors or outside walls.
- Do not leave out pet food, bird feeders and bird seed or BBQ’s.
- Bears are attracted to fruit-bearing trees and bushes, gardens and compost piles. Electric fencing can be effective at deterring bears as well as routinely picking fallen and ripe fruit.
- Secure vulnerable livestock (chickens, goats, sheep) with an electric fence whenever possible.
Tips for recreating in bear country:
- Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it.
- Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be back to your vehicle in the daylight hours.
- Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
- Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
- Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is limited. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
- Don’t approach a bear.
For more information being bear aware, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.