Grizzly euthanized after conflicts at Hungry Horse Reservoir

A grizzly bear was captured and euthanized after several conflicts with people along Hungry Horse Reservoir last weekend.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, wildlife officials received reports of a bear approaching people and damaging boats last weekend near Murray Bay on the east side of the reservoir on the Flathead National Forest. The boats were beached on shore and did not have food onboard. Attempts to move the bear away with loud noises were unsuccessful, the state agency reported.

Wildlife officials responded July 17 and captured the subadult male grizzly bear.

Based on reports and video footage, officials determined the bear was food conditioned and habituated to people. The decision was made to euthanize the bear after consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines.

According the Fish, Wildlife and Parks, once a bear becomes food-conditioned, hazing and aversive conditioning are unlikely to be successful in reversing the behavior. Food-conditioned and habituated bears are not relocated due to human safety concerns.

People are asked to report bear conflicts immediately. Addressing initial conflicts promptly can help avoid bears from becoming food conditioned or habituated.