Bear euthanized near Eureka; cubs sent to ZooMontana

KALISPELL — A grizzly bear was captured and euthanized after multiple conflicts with people in the Eureka area in Lincoln County, state wildlife officials said.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks received reports of an adult female grizzly bear with three cubs getting into buildings, cabins, chicken coops and outdoor freezers in search of food sources. The female was previously captured and moved after conflicts with people in Lincoln County.

FWP bear specialists captured the adult female and two of the cubs in early October. Based on reports, the bears were severely food conditioned.

The decision was made to euthanize the adult bear in consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and by Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines.

State officials were unable to capture the third cub and transported the two cubs to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center for temporary placement. Both cubs will be going to ZooMontana, a zoological/botanical garden, accredited arboretum and educational facility in Billings.