Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating two recent grizzly bear deaths.
The wildlife agencies are seeking information on a female grizzly shot and killed in the Woodworth area south of Seeley Lake. A local landowner discovered the bear on Sept. 8 on the edge of the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area.
Wildlife officials determined the bear had two gunshot wounds and was likely killed during the first weekend of September. The adult female had been collared for research purposes and had no history of conflicts.
The agencies are also investigating the death of a 1-year-old male grizzly bear shot on Aug. 22 while in a chokecherry patch along Dupuyer Creek between Valier and Depuyer. There were no known or reported human-bear conflicts in the vicinity and the death is being investigated as a poaching incident.
Anyone with information on either grizzly bear killing is encouraged to call 2-800-TIP-MONT. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards.
