Grizzly Bear and Cub Euthanized in Montana Due to ‘Conflicts With People’ After Relocation Attempt Failed

A pair of grizzly bears, a mother and her cub, have been captured and euthanized after “several conflicts with people” in Montana, authorities say.

The pair of bears was first spotted getting into unsecured garbage in early August. The bears were captured and relocated by FWP bear specialists to forestland near Tuchuck, Mountain, according to a release from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) issued Friday,

However, the bears tracked their way back to the area (some 35 miles away) and then ended up breaking into “cabins, garages, outdoor freezers, and a trailer” while seeking out food. FWP staff responded and again captured the pair. However, given the bears knew there was food in the area and were no longer scared of people, officials made their decision.

“Based on reports and video footage, the bears were severely food conditioned and habituated to people,” Montana FWP said in its release. “The decision was made to euthanize both animals on Sept. 20 in consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and by Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines.”

“Food-conditioned and habituated” bears are those who have become too comfortable around humans, sometimes even aggressive, and who have repeatedly sought out and obtained unnatural foods, Montana FWP explained. 

“Once a bear has become food-conditioned, hazing and aversive conditioning are unlikely to be successful in reversing this type of behavior,” Montana FWP said. “Food-conditioned and habituated bears are not relocated due to human safety concerns.”

Montana is considered “bear country” and has populations of both grizzly and black bears. During the fall months before “denning season,” bears are “increasingly active” while seeking out food, according to authorities. 

The adult mother bear euthanized in this instance was estimated to be 6 years old. Female grizzly bears reach their maximum weight of 770 pounds in about eight years, according to the North American Bear Center.

Grizzly bear cubs can weigh up to 200 pounds as soon as the end of their first year.