Wildlife officials searching for orphaned bear cubs

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking residents in and around Whitefish to share any information about the location of three orphaned black bear cubs that were last seen near downtown Whitefish.

According to a press release, Fish, Wildlife and Parks is investigating the shooting death of an adult female black bear that occurred Friday night, Oct. 5, near a residence on Baker Avenue along the Whitefish River. The adult bear had three cubs with it at the time of its death, and the cubs remain at large.

Agency specialists are trying to locate the bears and has asked that anyone with information on their whereabouts call 406-250-0062. However, FWP officials say individuals should not approach the cubs or attempt to catch them.

Agency staff have received numerous reports of bears in Whitefish in recent weeks. Bears have been accessing unsecured residential garbage cans and domestic fruit trees.

Western Montana is home to black bears and grizzly bears that are active from springtime through late fall. To avoid conflicts with bears and other wildlife, residents should remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and bird seed.

Homeowners should stay at least 100 yards away from wildlife and try to haze animals off their property with loud noises, chickens and other livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door and domestic fruit should be picked as soon as possible.

Residents are encouraged to report bear activity as soon as possible. To report grizzly bear activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call FWP bear management specialists at 406-250-1265. To report black bear and mountain lion activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call 406-250-0062. To report bear activity in the Cabinet-Yaak area, call 406-291-1320.