Incidental bear capture had merit

A male grizzly bear captured north of Columbia Falls last week was released near the Canada border on Aug. 9.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear management specialist Tim Manley and his crew was attempting to capture a grizzly that had been getting into sheds, garbage and dog food.

But the bear Manley and his crew were looking for had a 5 1/4-inch wide front pad, while the bear they captured had a 6 1/4-inch wide front pad.

Although it may have been an incidental capture, the bear was found near residences and FWP opted to release it near Frozen Lake at the Canada border. The bear was fitted with a radio collar so its movements can be monitored.