Grizzly moved out of Columbia Falls area
A grizzly bear in a field in this file photo. A grizzly was moved out of the North Hilltop area last week by FWP.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks last week captured a grizzly bear near Columbia Falls and moved the bear to a remote location in the North Fork Flathead River drainage.
The 242-pound subadult male grizzly was eating from fruit trees and garbage on private property north of U.S. 2 off North Hilltop Road.
Columbia Falls has had several reports of a grizzly bear roaming the area this fall. At one point, the school even put out an alert to warn children walking to school.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel captured the bear Nov. 14 to prevent food conditioning and habituation to people. The bear was fitted with a GPS collar.
The bear was moved to a remote location on the Flathead National Forest near Whale Creek in consultation with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in accordance with Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Guidelines.
Bears typically begin entering their dens for the winter in late November.
Residents are asked to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and bird seed. Homeowners should stay at least 100 yards away from wildlife and try to haze animals off their property with loud noises. Chickens and other livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door. Domestic fruit should be picked up as soon as possible.
Recreationists are urged to “Be Bear Aware” and follow precautionary steps and tips to prevent conflicts, including carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, and traveling in groups while making noise.
Hunters should avoid hanging carcasses near houses or garages. Carcasses must be suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet out from any upright support.
Residents are encouraged to report bear activity as soon as possible. To report grizzly bear activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call FWP bear management specialists at (406) 250-1265.
To report black bear and mountain lion activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call 406-250-0062.
To report bear activity in the Cabinet-Yaak area, call 406-291-1320.