Montana wildlife managers have released their final analysis of the environmental impacts of state management of grizzly bears.
If Montana manages grizzlies, it would have less tolerance than the federal government for conflict bears outside of designated habitat.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recommends managing the species spread out across the state under one plan. It would work on connecting dispersed populations and outline areas where the agency wants grizzly bears to be, as well as areas where it does not. Because grizzlies already live in the region, the analysis finds little to no negative impact on the environment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering delisting bears in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem populations — and plans to make its decision soon.
Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission has said it won’t allow grizzly bear hunting for at least the first five years after delisting.
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“Unprecedented.” That’s the word wildlife managers keep using to describe bear conflicts in Red Lodge. “This year has really been kind of off the charts in terms of conflicts,” says Chrissy Webb, a spokesperson with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. -
Wildlife officials killed a grizzly bear Tuesday evening near Augusta in response to livestock depredation. Three cattle carcasses were found in the area. Officials say all were killed by a grizzly bear. -
State wildlife officials Tuesday released more information on Montana's latest bear attack. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, evidence collected at the site of the incident confirms a hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear Monday morning. -
Two young adult grizzly bears euthanized in the Lincoln-area were quickly earning a reputation for getting into food-related conflicts. Fish, Wildlife & Parks spokesperson Vivica Crowser says the trouble started in late August. Bears are even more food-focused than normal heading into autumn this year. -
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released new details about a bear attack near Columbia Falls that left a woman with serious injuries. Evidence at the scene revealed the bear was a grizzly sow traveling with at least one cub-of-the-year.
