4-year-old bear aggressively seeking food killed at Montana national park
A 4-year-old female bear started aggressively searching for food in a Montana national park, so it was killed, rangers said.
The bear was euthanized June 5 in West Glacier in Glacier National Park, the National Park Service said in a news release obtained by McClatchy News.
“The bear consistently attempted to enter vehicles and buildings on private property inside the park,” park officials said in the release.
It successfully got into one building and one vehicle, officials said.
The same bear was captured in 2022 in Kalispell by wildlife officers and relocated to Puzzle Creek, officials said.
But it didn’t show signs of being food-conditioned until this June, so it was killed, officials said.
Park officials said another bear and her cub got a “food reward from an unattended backpack” June 7 in the park.
The Going-to-the Sun Road, which is used by hikers and bikers, was then closed off.
“Wildlife rangers are attempting to discourage the bears bad behavior. If unsuccessful, the bears may have to be relocated or euthanized per the parks Bear Management Guidelines,” officials said.
Park officials said a bear can become food-conditioned when it gets a “human food reward,” which include food, trash, livestock feed and pet food.
It can then become more aggressive and bold as it tries to find a human food source. It will need to be killed as hazing the animal will no longer work, park officials said.
Glacier National Park visitors can do their part in stopping bears from becoming food-conditioned and comfortable around people, officials said, by:
- Always keeping your bag or backpack with you and away from bears
- Never stopping near bear along a road
- Staying 100 yards away from bears at all times
The national park is in northwestern Montana.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published June 11, 2025 at 12:58 PM with the headline "4-year-old bear aggressively seeking food killed at Montana national park."
