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Grizzly Bear Euthanized for Killing Calf Near Augusta

The 6-year-old bear had no previous history of conflicts

By Dillon Tabish

GREAT FALLS — State and federal wildlife officials euthanized a male grizzly bear after it killed a calf on a ranch west of Augusta.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear management specialist Mike Madel said Monday that the 430-pound bear was caught in a snare on Saturday. Officials determined it was the offending bear after matching its teeth to the bite marks on the calf.

The 6-year-old bear had no previous history of conflicts, but guidelines set by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee allow for adult male grizzlies to be euthanized after one conflict.

Madel says based on their knowledge of grizzly bears on the Rocky Mountain Front, adult males that kill livestock tend to kill livestock again.

The bear’s skull and hide will be used for educational purposes.