Glacier Park rangers shoot problem black bear that grabbed food out of a car

A black bear with a history of getting into trouble was shot and killed by Glacier National Park rangers Thursday.

Park rangers had been receiving calls of a black bear that appeared to be food conditioned in the Apgar Village area and on June 7 in the Fish Creek Campground the bear grabbed food out of an open vehicle’s trunk an at unoccupied campsite while campers were eating at a picnic table a few feet away. The bear had an orange ear tag from being captured by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear managers at Stanton Lake Lodge in June of last year because it was getting into garbage. The bear was 2.5 years old at the time and was relocated to Big Creek, 26 air miles away up the North Fork of the Flathead.

After the Fish Creek campground incident, the Park set a barrel trap to try to catch the bear, but was unsuccessful.

A couple of days later, the bear showed back up in Apgar Village and rangers responded. The bear was determined to be a threat to human safety and was shot by rangers.

Black bears are not a protected species. There’s about 700 black bears in Glacier, according to previous DNA survey studies.

The action was consistent with Glacier National Park’s Bear Management Plan, park officials note. The bear weighed approximately 100 pounds.

Visitors are reminded to keep campgrounds and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around in camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a campsite.

The park asks visitors that if they see a bear along the road, please do not stop. Stopping and watching roadside bears will likely start a “bear jam” as other motorists follow your lead. “Bear jams” are hazardous to both people and bears as visibility is reduced and bears may feel threatened by the congestion. Report all bear sightings to the nearest ranger.

Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. Hikers are highly encouraged to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it.  For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/bears.htm.