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Wardens Investigate Female Grizzly Bear Killed Near Essex

Two yearling grizzly bears were orphaned due to the death of the adult female

By Beacon Staff
Two young grizzly bears photographed by a remote camera in the area where the dead adult grizzly was found. Courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Wildlife officials are investigating the death of a female grizzly bear that was shot and killed in the Paola Creek area of the Middle Fork Flathead River near Essex.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent and biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks investigated and retrieved the carcass of the adult female on May 20 near the boundary of Glacier National Park.

The carcass was transported to the FWP lab in Bozeman where examination revealed that the grizzly bear had been shot. Grizzlies are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

There was evidence of additional bears at the site and a remote camera photographed two yearling grizzly bears that were orphaned due to the death of the adult female, according to FWP. The young bears are about 15 months old and looked to be in good condition. The decision was made to leave the young bears in the wild, FWP officials said.

FWP and USFWS are asking for anyone with any information on this case to call 1-800-TIP MONT. Callers do not have to identify themselves and a reward of up to $2,000 may be available for information leading to a conviction.

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