Grizzly with history of break-ins captured, killed

A large grizzly bear that had been raiding garages and sheds in the Swan Valley was captured near Condon and killed by state wildlife officials on Tuesday.

The 600-pound male bear, estimated to be more than 20 years old, was suspected of breaking into nine garages and sheds over the last two weeks to get at livestock and pet foods.

Remote camera images ultimately confirmed that the bear was the culprit.

According to Tim Manley, state grizzly bear management specialist, the old bear had some teeth that were worn down to the gums.

“This bear was removed in the interest of human safety,” said Jim Williams, regional wildlife manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “It’s an unfortunate but necessary response for a grizzly that has become food conditioned and potentially dangerous to the public.”

The bear was captured in July 2010 by Confederated Salish and Kootenai wildlife officials and then released with a radio collar on the Flathead Reservation. After traveling over the Mission Mountain Range into the Swan Valley, the bear dropped its radio collar.