Grizzly cubs will get a new life out of state after mom is euthanized in Montana
A grizzly was euthanized after it was found rummaging through garbage. Now its cubs are getting a new life.
Two years ago, an adult female grizzly bear was found getting into garbage and chicken coops near Columbia Falls, Montana, the state’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said. The bear was relocated to Glacier National Park, and wildlife officials hoped it would change its behavior.
The bear, however, continued to seek food from unnatural sources. The grizzly broke into garbage, ate domestic rabbits and was caught breaking into sheds, according to wildlife officials.
“Bear specialists actively tried to capture the adult female last year but were unsuccessful,” officials said in a July 29 news release. “This spring, FWP received reports of the bear getting into garbage, and partially tore open a residential garage door, displaying the bear’s escalating efforts to find unnatural food sources.”
Wildlife officials said it was necessary to euthanize the bear, but it left behind two cubs.
The cubs were captured and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena. Their stay there, however, was temporary.
The cubs are now moving to Pennsylvania. A wildlife sanctuary in Bulgar, about 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, will take care of the cubs. The sanctuary regularly takes in orphaned animals and has a bear enclosure.
“While we’re grateful that the Rivendale Wildlife Sanctuary had the appropriate space and accepted these two cubs for permanent placement, we’d much rather see them in the wild avoiding conflict with humans,” Lee Anderson, Region 1 supervisor in Kalispell, said in a news release. “I can’t stress enough the importance of securing food attractants in bear country, it will keep people safe and bears wild.”
Two other grizzly bears were euthanized after they were caught breaking into garbage and outdoor freezers, FWP said. The bears were “severely food conditioned” and euthanized on July 11, according to wildlife officials.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. Bears in most attacks are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack, they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published August 1, 2022 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Grizzly cubs will get a new life out of state after mom is euthanized in Montana."