Grizzly killed by truck in Swan Valley

A large male grizzly bear was struck and killed by a semi truck on the Swan Highway near Condon early Tuesday morning, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The driver reported striking the bear on Montana 83 at 6:15 a.m. The state wildlife agency’s records show that the bear was previously captured three times for research purposes, but wasn’t known to have been involved in any conflicts with people.

The 12-year-old bruin was the first documented grizzly to be killed by a vehicle in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem this year. According to the state wildlife agency, the ecosystem — which spans Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the Rocky Mountain Front and other surrounding areas including portions of the Canadian Rockies — averaged 1.7 such incidents per year from 2004 to 2015.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional spokesman John Fraley said wildlife officials did not determine the bear’s weight.

The Northern Continental Divide is home to a grizzly population estimated at 1,000 bears and is one of six designated habitats for the federally protected species.