Wildlife officials euthanized a black bear on June 15 after it was discovered that the bear had eaten unattended food left by campers on Hungry Horse Reservoir.
A U.S. Forest Service employee first noticed the scattered food and belongings at the Abbot Bay boat ramp area on June 13. The employee made contact with campers at the site who said a bear had gotten into an unattended cooler full of food while they were away.
There was also evidence that the bear had eaten food at another campsite nearby, where food had also been left unattended. The bear had also broken into a converted bus at the boat ramp and removed numerous food and non-food items.
FWP and the Forest Service closed the ramp to public entry, and on June 15, FWP biologists captured the 110-pound, sub-adult black bear. The bear was euthanized after biologists determined it had become habituated to receiving food rewards from campsites.
Another black bear was euthanized earlier this month after attacking and killing a dog in Glacier National Park.
Forest officials ask all outdoor recreationists to help prevent bear-human problems with the following tips:
– Never feed bears or leave food for them.
– Keep tents and sleeping bags free of food odors; never store food in them.
– Do not leave food or other attractants in packs or coolers around a camp overnight. Place food as well as trash in your vehicle or hang 10 feet above the ground and at least four feet away from the tree(s). Bear resistant containers are also available.
– Consider cooking and eating away from tent/sleeping areas.
– Report all bear activity and sightings to the local authorities.
For additional information, contact the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger Districts in Hungry Horse at 406-387-3800.