Three grizzlies killed in Flathead

Four grizzly bears have been shot and three killed in the Flathead over the past two weeks, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 warden captain Lee Anderson reports — including two bears that were raiding chicken coops.

An individual shot and killed a male grizzly bear after he found it in a chicken coop outside his residence near Ferndale on Oct. 14.

Two weeks ago, another individual shot and killed a female grizzly bear he discovered next to a chicken coop on his property just north of Columbia Falls.

And the remains of a female grizzly bear were found two weeks ago near Brosten Lane east of Kalispell. Anderson said he’s seeking any information from the public about this bear.

All three cases are under active investigation by FWP and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials.

In a fourth case that did not lead to a grizzly bear mortality, a bird hunter shot at a female grizzly bear in what was described as a surprise encounter near Bigfork. The hunter was unharmed and immediately reported the incident to FWP.

The sow grizzly in the incident had a cub, and both were later found alive by officials. The female grizzly did not appear to have life-threatening injuries.