Grizzly Trouble in Montana: A Woman’s Fatal Encounter and a Home Invasion
- The weekend’s home invasion wasn’t the first indication of this grizzly’s troubling behavior. Records trace back to a disturbing encounter in Idaho near Henrys Lake State Park in 2020, where a person was injured.
- Genetic analysis and subsequent identification confirmed the bear’s involvement in a fatal incident in July near West Yellowstone.
- Given the bear’s food-conditioned behavior and the clear public safety threat she posed, authorities took the regrettable but necessary step to shoot her.
- Her cub, a 46-pound male, is currently under the care of a wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena. Plans are underway to relocate him to a zoo in the next couple of weeks.
A grizzly bear thought responsible for the death of a woman near West Yellowstone this summer has been killed after breaking into a house near the West gate to Yellowstone Nation Park.
Early Saturday morning, a homeowner reported that a bear with a cub broke through a kitchen window of an occupied home and removed a container of dog food from inside the house.
Later that evening, staff from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and local law enforcement captured the cub, and, shot the adult grizzly due to an immediate public safety threat from the bear’s food-conditioned behavior.
Through genetic analysis and other identifying factors, the bear was confirmed to be involved in a fatal attack on a woman near West Yellowstone in July. The bear was also involved in an encounter in Idaho that injured a person near Henrys Lake State Park in 2020.
On July 22nd, a woman was found deceased on the Buttermilk Trail west of West Yellowstone. Investigators confirmed grizzly bear tracks at the scene and instituted an area closure to keep people from enter that part of the National Forest.
The cub, a 46-pound male, is being held at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena while arrangements are made to transfer the cub to a zoo in the coming weeks.
How to Stay Safe in Bear Country
Six Tips on How to Be Bear Aware
- Familiarize yourself with Bear Spray: Always have bear spray on hand and ensure it is easily accessible. Learn how to use it effectively.
- Travel in Groups: Try to travel with others when hiking or exploring the outdoors. Larger groups are less appealing to bears.
- Hike During Daylight Hours: Plan your activities during the day since bears are often more active during dawn and dusk.
- Make Noise: Alert bears of your presence by making plenty of noise when moving through dense areas, reducing the chance of sudden encounters.
- Watch for Signs of Bears: Stay alert and look out for signs of bear activity such as tracks, scat, or overturned rocks.
- Maintain a Clean Camp: Ensure all food, trash, and scented items are securely stored in bear-resistant containers. This minimizes the chances of bears being attracted to your campsite.
By adhering to these guidelines, everyone can contribute to safety and protect wildlife.
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