Apple-eating griz moved; two more black bears destroyed

A 4-year old male grizzly bear was captured Oct. 2 northwest of Meadow Lake Golf Course near Columbia Falls.

Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley said the bear had been reported eating apples in residential areas. The 333-pound grizzly was captured about 50 yards from a residence in the vicinity of Chubb Lane.

The grizzly was released Wednesday in the upper Whale Creek area of the North Fork of the Flathead drainage. The bear had not been previously captured and was fit with a radio collar so biologists can follow its movements.

Also this week, two more food-conditioned black bears were captured and destroyed near Heron in response to what appears to be an illegal bear feeding issue.

That brings the total to seven black bears that have been killed in the recent trapping operation near Heron, a community in Sanders County near the Montana/Idaho border.

Based on reports and observations, Fish, wildlife and Parks officials say a local resident allegedly fed bears, creating a public safety hazard.

The case is under investigation and FWP is working with the Sanders County Attorney on appropriate charges.