This 450 pound adult male grizzly was struck and killed by a logging truck at mile marker 50 on Swan Highway 83, Tuesday night, Oct. 27. According to Montana Fish, Wildfire & Parks bear biologist Tim Manley, the grizzly was moved to Spotted Bear drainage because he was getting into pig feed. He wasn't involved in any more conflicts until he was hit in the Swan.
SWAN VALLEY - Three grizzly bears were killed on Highway 83 in the Swan Valley since September. The bears found along the highway were, according to Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Region I Grizzly Bear Management Specialist and Biologist Tim Manley, was attracted to the highway area by roadkill deer. There is a lack of huckleberries and serviceberries in the forest which is an important food source for bears to eat to prepare for hibernation.
In mid to late September, a three to four-year-old subadult female grizzly was found dead along Highway 83 north of the Swan Ecosystem Center near the airstrip. Manley said she weighed around 200 pounds.
Tuesday night, Oct. 27 a full grown, 450 pound male grizzly was struck and killed by a logging truck near mile marker 50 on Highway 83. The truck driver flagged down Swan Valley resident Josh Kesterson to help him move the bruin to the side of the road. According to Kesterson, the driver was at first hesitant to approach the bear in case he wasn't dead.
According to the implanted microchip, this bear was captured in 2011 and collared in the Flathead Valley near Lake Blaine. He was feeding on pig feed so he was moved to Spotted Bear drainage located near the south fork of the Flathead River in the Flathead National Forest. Manley said that two years ago his collar, which is designed to fall off, was found. He wasn't involved in any more conflicts until he was hit in the Swan.
Nearly a week later, a third bear was killed on Highway 83 near Piper Creek Road, around five miles from the previous bear's death. According to Manley, the 150 pound subadult female grizzly was last year's cub.
"Three bear kills on the highway in just a month and then two in less than a week is very unusual for the Swan." said Manley. "An average of one or less is more common."
Manley said that the bear carcasses are usually picked up by Montana Department of Transportation and are turned over to him to be examined and the mortality data to be recorded with FWP. The bears' remains are taken to the Flathead landfill where they are buried.
Manley said, "It's been quiet in the Swan when it comes to bear-human conflicts." He said if there are no attractants, the bears don't get into trouble with people. Manley added that people need to be aware of the wildlife on the highway and drive accordingly.
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