BILLINGS, MT–Over Memorial weekend, a grizzly bear sow attacked and killed over 40 sheep, mostly lambs, on a ranch near Valier. This was the second time this sow had killed sheep on this ranch. Last July, she had killed at least 10 sheep before being darted by Wildlife Management Specialist, Mike Madel, and relocated.
The grizzly bear and her cubs had been relocated to the North Fork of the Flathead River following the first attack last summer. The bear had been tracked traveling briefly into Canada and then returning back to the Marias River area late last summer, about 6 weeks after she had been relocated according Sporleder. It was known by both FWP and the rancher, Don Sporleder that she was still in the area this spring.
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is currently hunting the sow and will euthanize her. According to Gary Bertellotti, FWP Region 4 Supervisor, there is a process FWP goes through to determine if a bear needs to be euthanized. Typically a female bear would get three strikes before being killed, but based the quick return this female made to the same area and the affinity she has shown for sheep, it was determined she was very likely to be a chronic problem and needed to be removed.
The bear and her cubs had been relocated to the North Fork of the Flathead River following the first attack last summer. The sow had been tracked traveling briefly into Canada and then returning back to the Marias River area late last summer, about 6 weeks after she had been relocated according Sporleder.
FWP had made plans with Sporleder this spring to do proactive work to deter any additional predation.
(UPDATE, JUNE 1) The grizzly bear was shot and killed Tuesday evening near Lake Frances, according to reporter Natalie McAlpine of the Valierian.
© Northern Ag Network 2016
photo credits: Yellowstone National Park
