Grizzlies visit Creston orchard
<p>A remote camera set up in Bob and Laurie Muth's yard captured photos of grizzlies, including this one in broad daylight.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>With the help of Defenders of Wildlife and Tim Manley of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Muths installed electric fencing to discourage bears Òfrom becoming dependent on a food source that can only end badly for the bears,Ó Bob Muth said. ÒA few destroyed fruit trees are a small price to pay to be able to witness the great bearÕs return…
Apple and plum trees on Bob and Laurie Muth’s property in the Creston area have been attracting grizzly bears this fall.
With the help of Defenders of Wildlife and Tim Manley of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Muths installed electric fencing to discourage bears “from becoming dependent on a food source that can only end badly for the bears,” Bob Muth saidin an email.
“A few destroyed fruit trees are a small price to pay to be able to witness the great bear’s return,” he added.
Muth was philosophical about the grizzlies: “There are things that cannot be put into words. And the aura surrounding a wild grizzly bear is at the top of the list. Grizzlies are mythical, mystical and magnificent creatures. We are blessed to live in a place large enough and wise enough to be part of this breathtaking animal’s recovery from the road to extermination ... thanks to farsighted conservationists and the Endangered Species Act.”