Two young grizzlies put down earlier this month

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists killed two young male grizzly bears that were getting into garbage and chicken coops in the Blankenship and Coram areas.

The bears, estimated to be 2.5-3.5 years old each, were both previously caught in conflicts in the Flathead Valley after getting into garbage, outdoor freezers and chicken coops. Most recently, FWP received numerous reports of the bears getting into chicken coops and garbage in the Coram area. Due to the bears being severely food conditioned, the decision was made to euthanize both bears on July 11 in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“We are receiving a significant amount of calls from residents about bear activity. We appreciate residents reporting these conflicts to FWP bear managers because we need to hear about these conflicts as soon as they occur to try and address the situation before it worsens. Once a bear becomes food conditioned, it loses its natural foraging behavior and presents a heightened public safety risk,” FWP spokesman Dillon Tabish said.

Folks are reminded to secure attractants like garbage, outdoor freezers, chicken coops and fruit trees. Electric fencing has proven to be an effective means of discouraging bears.

FWP has guidelines are setting up fencing on its website.