Grizzly bear euthanized south of Libby

State wildlife officials euthanized last week a male grizzly bear that had developed a penchant for breaking into chicken coops south of Libby.

The 2-year-old bear was captured by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials following reports the bruin had burglarized coops, greenhouses and storage sheds near Barren Peak Road off U.S. 2 in the Silver Butte area.  

Officials said that the agency also received reports of the bear hanging out on porches.  

The grizzly “was exhibiting bold behavior that indicates it was conditioned to unnatural food sources,” agency officials said in a press release announcing the killing.   

Food-conditioned bears put human safety at risk, officials said. It is a hard habit to break, one that sees bears choose to pursue food around inhabited areas, including homes and ranches over natural food sources.  

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized removal of the bear, authorities said. Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act, so the federal wildlife service has final say over management actions.  

At the end of August, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks euthanized an adult male grizzly bear near Elliston, north of Butte. The bear was food conditioned and involved in a series of conflicts over the month, officials said.  

In March, another male grizzly was euthanized in Teton County after cattle depredation and a failed relocation attempt.  

Last year, there were 13 grizzly mortalities in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.  

Roughly 1,200 bears inhabit the 6.5-million-acre ecosystem, according to the state wildlife agency. It is one of two grizzly populations in the state, the other in the greater Yellowstone area. 

Seven of those mortalities were bears euthanized by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel in 2023, including two members of a family of bears that had to be removed after repeated conflict calls this year around Eureka. The family of bears was linked to calls in 2014, 2016 and 2022. 

A female grizzly was removed in Glacier National Park in July 2023 after intruding on campgrounds, the first time since 2009 that officials had to euthanize a food-conditioned bear inside the park. A male grizzly was removed near the Hungry Horse Reservoir that same month after destroying boats, tubes and campgrounds.  

There are multiple ways to reduce the risk of bear conflicts, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Electric fencing and securing attractants such as livestock food, grills and bird feeders help prevent conflicts.  

Officials urged residents to report all conflicts to the state wildlife agency. Wildlife management specialist numbers can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact.  

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.