Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) reported on Thursday, July 18, 2024, that staff had to shoot and kill a grizzly bear that had become a threat in and around Gardiner by breaking into homes.
Early on Thursday morning, FWP received a report of a bear breaking into a home in Maiden Basin, north of Gardiner. FWP staff responded and euthanized the bear while it was in the Yellowstone River.
The carcass of the bear was recovered later that afternoon, and it was confirmed to be the same bear involved in several recent conflicts, according to the release.
Conflicts with the grizzly bear began in early June and escalated over the past three weeks. The bear was drawn to unsecured attractants like garbage, human food, barbecue grills, and pet food in residences, businesses, and vehicles.
“The bear broke into multiple homes in Gardiner, Maiden Basin, and a National Park Service employee house in Mammoth to find food. Despite efforts to deter the bear, it returned almost nightly to seek out food. Fortunately, no humans were injured. FWP and Bear Aware Gardiner provided educational outreach and assistance to secure attractants, but ultimately had to take action to remove the habituated bear to ensure human safety.”
Residents are urged to secure attractants to prevent future conflicts with wildlife. Montana is bear country, and encounters with grizzlies are increasingly common. It is essential to store food and garbage securely and avoid feeding wildlife, as it is illegal and can result in penalties.
Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.
