Bear euthanized near Libby had family history of conflicts, officials say

The mother of the grizzly bear euthanized south of Libby last week had a history of conflicts in the Ferndale area, authorities say.

The 2-year-old male grizzly bear was captured by Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials on Sept. 15 following reports of break-ins at chicken coops, greenhouses and storage sheds near Barren Peak Road off U.S. 2 in the Silver Butte area. 

The bear, who along with his siblings, was first relocated to the South Fork by state officials this spring because its mom had a history of conflicts in the Ferndale area. The bear traveled to the area north of Marion between April and July 2024 and eventually made its way to the Silver Butte area. *