Bears relocated from near Whitefish

Two young grizzly bears were recently captured 10 miles northwest of Whitefish along the Stillwater River and relocated after they were trying to get into a dog kennel to get dog food.

The bears were siblings — one a 172-pound female and a 200-pund male — who were probably left in the area by an adult female, according to a press release by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Grizzly bears typically kick off their 2-year-old cubs during June, which is the peak of breeding season.

The bears were captured on June 22 and 23. The female was relocated to the upper Good Creek drainage in the Salish Range. The male was released in Deep Creek along the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir.

A few days earlier, neighbors reported bears that had killed chickens on their property, but felt it was black bears and not grizzly. The grizzly scat contained sunflower seeds indicating the bears had been getting access to bird feeders in the area.

Traps were set at both places and only two grizzly bears were captured. This was a first time capture for both bears, according to wildlife officials. Both bears were fitted with GPS radio collars so their movements could be monitored.

FWP reminds residents to secure attractants such as garbage, pet food, livestock feed and bird seed. Pick fruit when it is ripe and protect fruit trees, livestock, and poultry with electric fencing. In Montana, it is illegal to feed bears and ungulates. This includes putting out grain and deer blocks.

For information on electric fencing and living in bear country: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife/beBearAware/default.html.