A black bear that was found frequenting a Flathead Valley campground with little fear has been euthanized.
The Missoulian reports that the bear had been rummaging through unsecured trash at the private campground for some time. Wildlife officials say by the time it was reported, the bear would walk through the central area of the campground and through volleyball games. It was euthanized Tuesday.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear and lion specialist Erik Wenum says the hungry bear problem in western Montana is worsening. The same day the campground bear was euthanized Wenum received 32 calls about black bears in conflict with humans ranging from bears eating apples in yards to the animals breaking into homes.