“Well-known” grizzly bear shot and dismembered by wildlife officials in Yellowstone highlights human-caused conflict
Authorities clarified that the bear was killed after becoming conditioned to human food and repeatedly breaking into houses.
A “well-known” grizzly bear has been shot, killed, and dismembered by wildlife officials after the animal became a threat to human safety.
Local news reports that the bear, officially known as Grizzly 769 but affectionately known by locals as the Blacktail Lakes Bear, had frequently been sighted in the park over the last 15 years.
But recently park officials say that the grizzly bear had become increasingly involved in activities dangerously close to humans. Initial reports of conflicts in Gardiner began in early June, when the bear was found looking for food at residences, business and vehicles.
Garbage, human food, barbecue grills and pet food, were all sought out by the bear, and ultimately led the animal to quickly become conditioned to food attractants in the area. While no human injuries were reported, he began returning to Gardiner and surrounding areas almost nightly to obtain food.
Staff at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) say they offered “extensive” educational outreach to work with several property owners in the area to secure or upgrade their garbage cans or install electric fencing to try and discourage bears.
FWP bear specialists also began nightly efforts to trap and remove the bear, but attempts were unsuccessful due to the wide availability of unsecured attractants and the difficulty of the bear being active almost exclusively at night.
Then on July 19 the bear was shot and killed by wildlife officials minutes after it had broken into an occupied home.
In the following days, disturbing online images circulated by visitors of the park showed a headless and pawless bear carcass in the Yellowstone River.
Park officials confirmed to Wyoming news outlet Cowboy State Daily that it was the same bear, and that the carcass had been left in the river because it couldn’t be safely recovered.
“The head and paws were taken in compliance with Fish and Wildlife Service regulations, because it is illegal to traffic any grizzly bear parts in the Lower 48,” FWP spokesman Morgan Jacobson also added.
The case highlights the risks of bear conflicts, and shows just how important it is for humans to take measures to prevent encouraging bears into residential areas.
The FWP points out that Montana is bear country and so residents and recreationists must always be “bear aware”.
Officials ask that residents, businesses and visitors store food, garbage and other attractants securely indoors or in certified bear-resistant containers. Feeding wildlife, including bears, is illegal in Montana and can lead to fines and other penalties.
Being “bear aware” is crucial in protecting grizzly bears, particularly in the lower 48 states where the species is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Join Species Unite and more than 4,000 others calling for grizzly bears to remain protected under the Endangered Species Act by signing this petition.
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