Dead griz 'vandalized' for claws

Hungry Horse News

A female grizzly was killed by a car Monday and then someone saw fit to cut off some of her claws - probably for souvenirs.

The bear was hit on U.S. Highway 2 about four miles east of West Glacier near Ouzel Creek. According to Tim Manley, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear management specialist, the 300-pound female was 10-12 years old.

Manley said that the bear was lactating and most likely had cubs.

As of presstime, the cubs had not been located.

Someone then cut off some of the claws from the dead bear. Grizzly bear claws do have some commercial value, but are illegal to possess unless they are registered and taken by legal means, FWP Warden Captain Lee Anderson notes.

For example, a person could legally own grizzly bear claws taken from a legally taken bear from Alaska as long as they were registered with the state.

Bear claws are used as trinkets and in necklaces.

But in Montana, grizzly bears are protected by both state and federal law. The bond for trying to sell illegally taken bear parts is $735 under state law. Federal penalties are often stiffer than that.

Anderson said he didn't think the bear was hit intentionally. Wardens are following up leads on the case.

Grizzly bears aren't hit very often by vehicles. Studies have shown that grizzlies tend to shy away from highways during high traffic periods and some bears simply avoid roads altogether.

The area where this particular bear was hit is just south of Glacier National Park. The high water mark of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River marks the Park boundary, and the highway is located just south of the river in that location.