BIG SANDY, Mont. (NMB) – A grizzly bear has been spotted in north-central Montana.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced on Wednesday that the bear killed two chickens about 20 miles west of Big Sandy.
On Thursday, FWP reported the same bear was spotted 15 miles south of Rudyard near Black Coulee.
Officials started tracking the grizzly about two weeks ago when it was spotted north of Conrad. Last Monday, it was spotted near the Fort Benton – Chester Highway.
FWP Bear Specialist Wesley Sarmento says that the bear is food-conditioned. It is also afraid of people, making it less of a threat.
It is believed to be a three year-old male weighing around 400 pounds. It is brown with a light stripe behind the shoulder.
People concerned that the bear could be near their residence are urged to secure garbage, pet food, and grain spills and place electric fences around livestock areas.
Sarmento says the bear moves about 10 miles every day, making it hard to predict where it will end up.
FWP officials have hazed the bear by using cracker shells and driving it off with vehicles, yelling and honking.
Once the bear is captured, FWP will work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to discuss what will happen to bear. It is likely to be relocated to a more remote area, possibly near Glacier National Park.
Anyone with further information on the bear is urged to contact FWP Bear Specialist Wesley Sarmento at 450-1097.
