Chicken-killing grizzlies relocated

Two grizzly bears blamed for killing more than 100 chickens at a home near Lake Five were caught and relocated to the Hungry Horse Reservoir area by Fish, Wildlife and Park bear specialists on Aug. 25.

Bear specialist Tim Manley blamed the late snowpack for an increase in human-bear conflicts this year. In a normal year, FWP captures and relocates about 15 bears, he said, but by Aug. 26, the number was already 11.

FWP also responded to a report of a female grizzly with two yearlings frequenting Highway 206 near the Silver Bullet Bar. The bears had been eating apples that were just beginning to ripen.

The adult female and one of the yearlings were captured by Aug. 29, Manley said, and the trapping operation will continue until the second yearling is captured.

"We're concerned that these grizzlies will get into more attractants in the area, like dog food and garbage or bird seed," Manley said.

The bears had been eating apples within 50 feet of residences but had not acted aggressively, Manley said.

With fall approaching, Manley said people need to be extra careful about what they leave outside. He asked people to let FWP know if bears are becoming a problem but also to make sure not to leave out garbage, pet food and bird feed.