FWP kills food-conditioned griz

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials report a large adult male grizzly was captured and killed near Condon on Sept. 27 after the bear had broken into nine garages and sheds in the Swan Valley over the past two weeks.

Remote camera images confirmed that FWP had the right bear. The 600-pound grizzly was more than 20 years old, according to FWP grizzly bear management specialist Tim Manley, and a number of its teeth were worn down to the gums.

"This bear was removed in the interest of human safety," FWP Region 1 wildlife manager Jim Williams said. "It's an unfortunate but necessary response for a grizzly that has become food-conditioned and potentially dangerous to the public."

The bear was first captured on the Flathead Indian Reservation in July 2010 by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal bear managers.

After being released within the reservation, the grizzly crossed the Mission Range into the Swan Valley and then dropped its radio collar.