Montana wildlife officials recently captured a grizzly bear near Columbia Falls and moved it to a remote location in the North Fork of the Flathead River Drainage.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) says the 240-pound subadult male was eating from fruit trees and garbage on private property north of U.S Highway 2.
FWP captured the bear November 14 to prevent food conditioning and habituation to people. The animal was also fitted with a GPS collar.
Bears are now packing on the calories as they prepare to den for the winter.
Wildlife officials remind Montanans to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage and bird feed. Chickens and other livestock should be secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door. Domestic fruit should be picked up as soon as possible.
A record number of bears have been relocated or euthanized this year as they continue to expand their range into human-populated areas.
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