Montana grizzly bear euthanized after raiding occupied camps

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – An adult male grizzly bear has been euthanized after raiding occupied camps in Montana.

KFBB-TV reports the bear weighing about 300 pounds (136 kilograms) was put down Sept. 7 by wildlife officials.

The federal Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Services determined the bear repeatedly caused trouble in the area after receiving food from humans.

State Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Capt. Dave Holland says the bear was involved in five events at backcountry camps over seven days.

Holland says attempts to incite the bear to leave the area west of Augusta were unsuccessful.

Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest District Ranger Mike Munoz says the grizzly approached within 20 feet (6 metres) of people.

“This bear was food-conditioned,” Munoz said.

___

Information from: KFBB-TV, http://www.kfbb.com