Two more grizzlies killed recently; one a collared sow hit by a car

Two more grizzly bears died recently, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

An 17-year-old female grizzly bear was killed after being hit by a vehicle on U.S. 2 between Marias Pass and East Glacier Aug. 23. The bear was wearing a GPS radio collar that was originally attached through a trend monitoring research project. The female was accompanied by a yearling bear. Yearlings have a higher survival rate than cubs when separated from their mothers, and no attempts were made to capture the yearling.

Another adult male grizzly bear was found dead Aug. 23 in Crow Creek near Ronan on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The cause of death is unknown. There were no initial indications that the bear was illegally killed.

Right now bears are actively seeking food sources before the winter denning season, and residents are urged to reduce or secure attractants.

FWP Region 1 has recently seen an uptick in reports of bears approaching food sources, such as fruit trees and garbage.

More safety information is available on the FWP website, fwp.mt.gov.

Call FWP regional offices to learn more about bears or to report bear activity. In northwest Montana, call 406-752-5501.