Camp-raiding black bear euthanized

A 110-pound black bear was put down near Hungry Horse Reservoir on Monday after it was determined to be conditioned to human food.

Tim Manley, a bear management specialist with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said the bear went looking for food at two separate campsites on Saturday near the Abbot Bay boat ramp.

“The bear had gotten into a bus, went into the bus and pulled out food, pulled out garbage,” Manley said, referring to a converted school bus in which someone had been staying. “Then it went to a different campsite and got out coolers that were left outside next to a different camper.”

A Forest Service employee initially spotted the food and garbage scattered around the boat ramp area and spoke with the campers, who confirmed a bear had gotten into an unattended cooler.

The boat ramp was closed that day and the bear was captured and killed on Monday when it returned.

Manley added that leaving food unattended is illegal in a place with a food storage order, including Flathead National Forest. The Forest Service is still determining whether to fine the campers who left food unattended.

Reporter Samuel Wilson may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.