Grizzly Killed – Public Reminded to Secure Attractants

SWAN VALLEY - Labor Day weekend a 550-pound, black colored, male grizzly bear was hit and killed near mile marker 40 on Highway 83 N. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Game Warden Bill Koppen warns the community that bears are hungry and looking for an easy meal. Securing attractants is essential to keep people safe and bears alive.

The grizzly has been in the Seeley-Swan area for the past 12 years. It had been captured on several occasions and wore a radio collar for many years. Koppen said it had never caused any problems in the past.

Labor Day was a holiday and so there was no garbage pickup. The can was left out on the side of the road. Even though the can was bear proof and the bear was unable to get into the garbage, it was an attractant that cost the bear its life.

This time of year bears are busy trying to bulk up for hibernation. They are looking for easy food sources that often bring them closer to communities.

Koppen made several recommendations to secure attractants. He said a bear's sense of smell is 20 times that of a bloodhound and they can roam up to 100 miles:

• Attractants include any food items, beverages including Gatorade bottles, soda, beer cans, livestock feed, dog food, fruit trees and bird feeders.

• Use bear proof garbage cans. A rock or bungee cord on top of a garbage can is not bear proof and can easily be gotten into.

• Put non-bear proof cans in a cage that is locked with a chain or secure in a shed or trailer.

• Double bagging exceptionally odorous trash will help reduce the smell.

• A fence or rickety shed will not keep bears out.

• An electric fence around garbage or livestock will keep bears out.

• Secure livestock feed, pet food and bird feeders.

• Make sure freezers and refrigerators on porches are chained shut with a heavy chain and locked. Coolers should be kept inside.

• Do not leave doors open to a home or garage. Bears will come searching for food.

• Do not leave food in a vehicle, especially with the windows cracked. A bear can easily break in.

• If using a trash pickup service, bring cans out as close to the pick-up time as possible. Do not leave non-bear proof cans out overnight.

• Grills can also be attractants although not too much of a problem in this area.

• Compost sites have not been an issue in the area.

Koppen reminds residents that it is not legal to shoot bears out of season or in town. It is only legal to shoot a black bear if they are damaging a structure, or threatening livestock or a person. The only way someone can shoot at a grizzly bear is if they are actively pursuing a person. If a bear is killed it must be reported to FWP.