GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. (NMB) – A black bear in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park was euthanized on Thursday by Park staff after it obtained human foods and exhibited behavior that put human safety at risk.
According to a press release, the bear was spotted on August 28th and 29th in the Many Glacier campground. On the 29th, it snatched apples out of an open trunk while visitors were nearby packing their vehicle. The bear then proceeded to eat the apples at the campsite, exhibiting little fear of humans. While park staff attempted to verbally haze the bear out of the campground, the bear tried to stop at another campsite where people were preparing breakfast and after being hazed out into the woods, returned half an hour later.
On Wednesday, the adult female bear was trapped in a culvert trap near the Many Glacier housing area.
In accordance with Glacier National Park’s Bear Management Plan, and in consultation with park wildlife biologists, the bear was euthanized. The bear was estimated to be around four-years old and approximately 120 pounds.
