BILLINGS — State wildlife officials say no charges will be filed against a Forsyth-area rancher who shot a black bear he believed was threatening his livestock.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials in Miles City say the bear was shot Tuesday morning just northeast of Forsyth. It had been spotted in the area since Sunday and had even wandered into the city limits.
FWP spokeswoman Cathy Stewart tells The Billings Gazette that a game warden was on his way to tranquilize the 190-pound bear when it was shot. She says after discussions with the Rosebud County attorney, officials decided not to file charges against the landowner.
FWP has increased the fall black bear harvest quota in the area due to increased activity.
The hide and the head of the bear were saved for educational purposes.