Fourteen black bears were euthanized near Bozeman, Montana, after local wildlife officials found the animals became highly accustomed to human food and human presence.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens and wildlife staff responded to a report of alleged feeding of wild black bears at a home north of Bozeman.
Investigators visited the property on Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 and found bears that were extremely food conditioned and habituated to people, according to Montana FWP.
Due to human safety concerns, wildlife officials captured 14 bears and euthanized them. One cub was taken to Montana FWP’s WILD facility in Helena for possible placement at an accredited zoo.
Why were the bears euthanized?
Montana FWP said bears that become accustomed to finding or receiving food in residential
or urban areas can lose the desire and ability to forage naturally. The agency added that the behavior cannot be corrected through rehabilitation or relocation, and instead can create safety risks when bears continue seeking food near or inside homes.
"Euthanizing habituated, food-conditioned bears is an unfortunate action of last resort," Montana FWP said.
Game Warden Capt. Josh Leonard told Bozeman-based TV station KBZK that the bears were unafraid of humans and had stopped relying on natural foods.
"These bears were unafraid of humans and stopped relying on natural foods, which created a human safety risk," Leonard said.
Leonard added that the investigation into why the bears were on the property remains ongoing.
Has a similar bear been euthanized elsewhere?
A black bear at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming was euthanized on Sept. 11 after repeatedly approaching visitors and receiving multiple food rewards from people, according to park officials.
The bear was in the Delta Lake area. Park staff had previously received reports of the bear approaching visitors and later determined its behavior was consistent with being conditioned to human food.
Officials said the bear became unusually difficult to scare away and that its increasing proximity to people created a safety risk. The bear was ultimately immobilized with a dart before being euthanized on site, according to park officials.
"This bear was lethally removed because of poor decisions made by park visitors," Grand Teton officials said in a Facebook post.
Was feeding the Montana black bears illegal?
Montana law prohibits providing supplemental feed to game animals, including bears, according to FWP.
Residents can help prevent conflicts by keeping garbage, pet food, bird feeders and other potential bear attractants secured, according to Montana FWP. The agency also recommends bear-resistant garbage containers and electric fencing.
The agency provides bear-safety education and hands-on training for using bear spray.
It also encourages people to report bears attempting to access garbage or other attractants near homes, vehicles or businesses. Reporting such incidents early may allow officials to address the behavior before bears become food conditioned, according to the agency.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 14 black bears euthanized in Montana
