Grizzly bear euthanized after cattle depredations in the upper Blackfoot Valley, FWP says

Wildlife photographer Patricia Lavin captured this image of then-26-year-old Grizzly 399 in September 2022. (Patricia Lavin)

OVANDO – An adult male grizzly bear was euthanized last week after four livestock conflicts in the upper Blackfoot Valley during the past month, said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in a news release Wednesday.

FWP wildlife specialists reported that the conflicts began in mid-July east of Lincoln where the bear first killed a calf on leased private property.

“The first depredation was not discovered for a few days, so traps were not set,” FWP said. “FWP worked with the landowner and other partners in the area to try to prevent more livestock depredations. However, the bear remained and continued to pursue cattle.”

FWP said other depredations began the first week in August, with three calves killed in a five-day period. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized removal of the bear, and game cameras were set on one of the carcasses.

The bear was shot and killed by U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services on Aug. 13, FWP said.

FWP and USFWS specialists work to help landowners and communities avoid bear conflicts.

FWP encouraged people who see a bear or sign near their residence that may result in a conflict to call their local bear specialist at the contact number found on FWP’s website: fwp.mt.gov/ conservation/wildlife- management/bear/contact .

For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware .