Griz captured, killed near Haskill Basin

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks biologists captured and killed a four-year old male grizzly bear near Haskill Basin Sept. 14 just north of Whitefish. Grizzly bear management specialist Tim Manley noted that the 370-pound bear approached residences in the Whitefish area and got into cat food, broke into a chicken coop, and killed chickens.

The bear had been captured last month at Trumbull Creek and relocated near Frozen Lake near the Canadian border. The grizzly was suspected to have broken into camper shells, broke a window in a garage, broke into a chicken coop, got dog food, cat food, and garbage in the same area. The bear returned to the Whitefish/Columbia Falls area four days ago.

Based on the level of food conditioning and property damage demonstrated by the grizzly, the decision was made to kill the bear in the interest of human safety.

Manley reminds residents that pet food and garbage first attracted the grizzly to residences. Residents should secure all attractants, pick ripe fruit, and pick up apples from the ground as they fall.