Tribal wildlife officials killed two female grizzly bears that attacked livestock in the St. Ignatius area earlier this week.
Germaine White, an information and education specialist with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, said wildlife biologists lethally removed the two yearling bears on June 9 because they were habituated and had killed multiple calves. One of the bears was seen chasing a cow. Biologists were unable to locate the adult female.
White said the circumstances were especially unfortunate because the two bears were female and that this incident is a reminder to residents to eliminate food attractants as best as possible.
Residents who are experiencing a bear problem should call tribal dispatch at 675-4700.