Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) announced an adult male grizzly bear was euthanized recently following conflicts with human-related attractants. The agency is also launching a dashboard to track bear deaths in an effort for transparency.
FWP worked with residents to secure attractants like garbage and chicken coops, using electric fencing to deter a persistent grizzly bear. Despite relocation attempts, the bear returned, seeking food near homes and livestock in the Elliston area.
FWP said the dashboard aims to increase transparency, educate Montanans on why federally protected grizzlies are killed or die, and demonstrate the state’s readiness to manage grizzly populations independently. The dashboard launch follows the deaths of nine grizzlies in Montana since August, with 15 total since July. These include three killed by USDA Wildlife Services due to livestock conflicts, one hit by a vehicle in Lewis and Clark County, two illegally killed in Pondera County and one killed in Powell County due to conflicts with chicken coops and garbage.
