Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks captured a black bear in West Glacier and is relocating it to Glacier National Park.
On the morning of April 25, a Montana FWP bear management specialist captured a male black bear on private property on the park’s boundary 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.
Northwest Montana is bear country with abundant populations of grizzlies and black bears. The incident in West Glacier illustrates the reality facing bears and humans, particularly in developed areas with their associated attractants near Glacier National Park and the various wilderness areas across this corner of the state.
FWP prioritizes human safety. According to FWP and NPS bear experts, the black bear in West Glacier is not a human safety risk.
Montana is a place where a bear is a wild animal that shares its habitat with humans. Residents are asked to make the commitment to share bear country in a way that is respectful of bears and the safety of other humans.
When responding to a conflict, FWP bear management specialists follow guidelines associated with the incident that inform an appropriate action. These factors include the potential human safety threats, the intensity of the conflict and the bear’s history of conflicts.
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.