Grizzly Euthanized Near Shelby After Repeated Conflict

Montana Public Radio | By Aaron Bolton

Published June 25, 2020 at 5:05 PM MDT

Earlier in 2020, two yearling grizzly siblings were captured with their mother near Shelby after frequently eating grain near a home. The family was relocated south of Glacier National Park.

On Tuesday, state wildlife officials announced the euthanization of a young male grizzly bear near Shelby.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says the young male was involved in repeated human conflict, including getting into spilled grain and backyard grills. The bear also reportedly approached homes and people.

Wildlife officials euthanized the bear last week. This is the 19 ^th grizzly from the ecosystem surrounding Glacier National Park known or thought to have died this year. Three cubs were also removed from the ecosystem and are now living in captivity, bringing total mortalities to 22.

With about five months to go until bears den up, that number is likely to rise. Last year, 50 grizzlies were removed from the ecosystem, killed in a human-related incident or were known to have died naturally. Last year followed 2018, when there were a record 52 mortalities.