Two grizzly bears captured and moved
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Wildlife Services on April 2 investigated a report of a newborn calf that had been killed near Mud Lake, northeast of Bigfork.
The landowner reported that he had lost another newborn calf several days earlier, but the remains of that calf could not be located. Based on the investigation it was determined that a large grizzly bear killed and consumed the newborn calf. There were large grizzly bear tracks at the site.
Tim Manley, FWP grizzly bear management specialist, reports that a joint trapping effort by the FWP and Federal Wildlife Services resulted in the capture of two male grizzly bears. Based upon remote camera photos and track measurements, neither one of the captured bears were responsible for the calf killings. The first male captured was five years old and weighed 364 lbs. He was radio-collared and released in the Emery Creek drainage near Hungry Horse Reservoir. The second bear was about eight and weighed 456 lbs. He was also radio-collared and released in the South Fork of Lost Creek in the Swan.
Even though neither bear that was captured was involved with the cattle killings, the decision was made to move them a short distance out of the area in order to attempt to capture the target bear. After additional trap nights and checking remote cameras, there was no more activity at the trap site and the traps and cameras were removed on April 16, FWP spokesman John Fraley said.
The landowner had put up electric fencing around the remaining cows and calves during the trapping operation and there have not been any additional attacks, Fraley said.
While several grizzly bears have been out of their dens since the end of March, most of the grizzly bears and black bears will be emerging from their dens over the next couple of weeks, Fraley said. Residents living in bear country are reminded to put away and secure attractants to avoid attracting bears. Poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, bees, or young calves should be protected with a well built and maintained electric fence to prevent problems with bears or other wildlife, Fraley said.
Bears are readily drawn to items like garbage, pet foods, bird feeders, and other attractants like chickens, and other small animals often resulting in bear and human conflicts. For people working and playing in the outdoors, bear spray is recommended. “My recommendation in terms of bear spray is to pick up an inert canister,” Manley said. “That way people can practice with it and see how far it goes, and try spraying in the wind without having to worry about it blowing back at you. I tell people to practice with it, know how to take the safety off quickly, and have it accessible — not in your backpack, but on a hip or chest holster where you have quick access.”
Manley said bear encounters are relatively common occurrences that should be handled as calmly as possible and usually end peacefully. “My experience is that given the chance, they will leave. They don’t want to have to deal with people,” he said.
Campers should keep sleeping and cooking areas separate, and be sure to store food or other bear attractants where bears can’t get at them. Manley recommends replacing hummingbird feeders with natural alternatives like hanging fuchsias. Bears can be deterred from a residential area by banging pots and pans, yelling or setting off a car alarm. Manley added that those having issues with bears in their area can contact him at 250-1265, or call 911 or the sheriff’s office in case of an emergency.
The state fish and game agency provides information for setting up electric fences around your property lines or chicken coops, which is the main method for deterring bears. They will also assist with installation, although not the cost of materials. However, the national conservation organization, Defenders of Wildlife, offers a program that provides a 50 percent match for qualified landowners to install an electric fence.