(Photo courtesy Travelers’ Rest State Park)
KALISPELL – State wildlife officials are moving a black bear that was recently captured near West Glacier to Glacier National Park.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported a bear management specialist captured a male black bear on private property on the park’s boundary Wednesday morning after the bear killed two llamas.
The bear is approximately 6 years old and weighs 184 pounds. It does not have any prior conflicts on record. FWP worked closely in consultation with the National Park Service and Wildlife Services, according to FWP spokesman Dillon Tabish.
Northwest Montana has abundant populations of grizzlies and black bears and Tabish points out this incident shows the reality facing bears and humans, particularly in developed areas near Glacier National Park and the various wilderness areas across this corner of the state.
Tabish said FWP prioritizes human safety and experts said the black bear in West Glacier is not a human safety risk.
Bear managers advise electric fencing to protect orchards, trees, gardens, berries bushes, beehives, grains, pets, livestock, and garbage. Bears are becoming active in springtime and residents are asked to please secure attractants around their properties.
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