Recently, two grizzly bears were killed in southwestern Montana after multiple incidents of livestock depredation. The first bear, responsible for several instances of sheep depredation in the Gravelly Mountains, was removed after several unsuccessful attempts to prevent the conflicts, including using guard dogs, relocating the sheep, and hazing the bear.
The second bear was removed from private land in Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, after chronic cattle depredations. Despite moving the cattle twice, the conflicts persisted, leading to the removal.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), conducted the removals on August 21.
FWP specialists and Wildlife Services work closely with landowners and producers to help prevent bear conflicts. Timely reporting of bear conflicts can lead to effective management efforts, which can discourage bears from interacting with livestock and humans.
For more information on preventing bear conflicts and living in Montana’s bear country, visit the FWP website.
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