A grizzly bear with a notorious history of conflict has been euthanized after breaking into a home with its cub in Montana. In a tragic turn of events, the bear’s food-conditioned behavior posed an immediate threat to public safety.

The adult grizzly bear was shot by Montana Fish and Wildlife staff with permission from the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Meanwhile, the 46-pound male cub was captured and is currently being held at the agency’s wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena. The cub will eventually be transferred to a zoo.

Genetic analysis confirmed that the euthanized grizzly bear was the same one responsible for a fatal attack on a woman near West Yellowstone back in July. The bear was also involved in an encounter that injured a person near Henrys Lake State Park in Idaho in 2020. These incidents were deemed as defensive responses by the bear.

Despite multiple attempts to trap and remove the bear after the fatal attack, these efforts proved unsuccessful due to the bear’s proximity to residential areas, campgrounds, and popular trails. Unfortunately, these circumstances led to the difficult decision to euthanize the bear.

Grizzly bears are classified as a threatened species in the contiguous 48 states. While they rarely exhibit predatory behavior towards humans, it is essential to take precautions when entering areas where bears may be present.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers the following safety tips to prevent bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Travel in groups and make noise to alert bears of your presence.
• Avoid animal carcasses, which can attract bears.
• Securely store garbage, bird feeders, and pet food to prevent bear attractions.
• Never feed wildlife, as it disrupts their natural foraging behavior and poses risks to human safety. (Feeding bears is illegal in Montana.)

Remember, Montana is bear country, and this time of year marks increased bear activity as they prepare for hibernation. Stay cautious and be aware of your surroundings during hunting season and fall recreation activities.