Poaching leaves two bear cubs orphaned behind

by The Associated Press
| June 9, 2015 9:00 PM

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say poachers killed a female black bear near St. Regis, leaving the carcass and two abandoned cubs behind.

Wardens say the bear was killed sometime between May 31 and June 3.

A group of people on all-terrain vehicles discovered the dead bear while riding on Forest Service Road 221, 4 miles up the south forth of Little Joe Creek west of St. Regis.

Wardens found two orphaned cubs, born this year.

One died of malnourishment. The second was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena.

While black bear hunting is allowed in the area, wardens say hunters are prohibited from killing a female with cubs.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction.