Chicken-eating grizzly euthanized in Ferndale

An adult female grizzly bear was euthanized Oct. 25 in Ferndale after Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials determined the animal had become food-conditioned in a residential area, according to a press release.

The 350-pound bear was secured by FWP employees in the same area earlier this month after breaking into chicken coops and killing chickens at a residential property. After officials secured the bear the first time, it was relocated to a remote area near the Spotted Bear River. The bear was accompanied by a 103-pound female cub that was captured by FWP on Oct. 26 and was moved to the Deep Creek area on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir after being fitted with a GPS radio collar.

Just a few days prior to that capture, another 4-year-old male grizzly was caught west of Kalispell up Rhodes Draw after it broke into residential chicken coops. The bear was moved to the Packers Roost area in Glacier National Park and was also fitted with a radio collar. The bear did not have any prior conflict history.

Bears becoming food-conditioned is an example of behavior that occurs when wildlife loses natural foraging habits. And according to the press release, bears are also increasingly seeking food sources in preparation for winter denning.

FWP reminds homeowners to keep attractants secured. Attractants include garbage, pet and livestock food, bird feeders, and fruit trees, but also include livestock, compost, gardens, outdoor food cookers and beehives. To report grizzly bear activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call FWP bear management specialists at 406-250-1265 and for black bear and mountain lion activity call 406-250-0062.