Food-conditioned bear killed in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park rangers captured and euthanized a black bear in the Fish Creek Campground area on Monday, July 22, after numerous incidents in which the bear exhibited aggressive and food-conditioned behavior.

The black bear frequented the Fish Creek Campground area and displayed aggressive behavior almost daily for the past two weeks, Park spokeswoman Denise Germann said. The bear entered camp sites, foraging and charging visitors.

This behavior is consistent with habituated and food-conditioned wildlife, Park officials said. Attempts to haze the bear away from the campground were unsuccessful. The female bear was approximately three years old and weighed 100 pounds.

Park rangers set traps and captured the suspect animal at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. After Park personnel verified that the correct animal had been captured by identifying distinct markings, the bear was euthanized. This action is consistent with the Park’s Bear Management Plan. Germann said.

Food-conditioned bears typically are not relocated due to human safety concerns. Black bears are not good candidates for zoos and animal parks because of the large number of black bears already in captivity across the U.S.

Park visitors are reminded to keep campgrounds clean and free of food and trash. Food and trash should be kept in bear-proof containers. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a camp site.

For more information about bear country, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/bears.htm.