Montana wildlife officials have captured a sub-adult male grizzly bear near McGregor Lake west of Marion in a culvert trap after it had been spotted frequenting residential areas.
Dillon Tabish is the Region 1 information and education program manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
"I think it's a great reminder for residents that western Montana is bear country, and right now the bears are active. If we can reduce food attractants and prevent conflicts, everyone is better off for it, including the bears," Tabish said.
This capture is of particular interest to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks because it occurred outside of six established grizzly recovery areas, meaning grizzlies are expanding their territory.
Though it's not the first time that bears have moved through the area, Tabish says, it's one of the first times that the agency has had to take management action there.
The Great Falls Tribune reports that the bear captured last month was 3 years old and weighed 246 pounds. After it was captured, it was fitted with a GPS radio collar and relocated to the Big Creek drainage on the west side of Lake Koocanusa in the Kootenai National Forest.