Food-Conditioned Black Bear Euthanized
Date: June 19, 2014
Contact: Denise Germann, 406 888 5838
Glacier National Park Rangers euthanized a black bear from the Many Glacier area on Tuesday,
June 17 after an incident in which the bear exhibited apparent food-conditioned behavior.
The black bear was captured on Sunday, June 15 after entering a park residence near the Many Glacier
park entrance. The bear broke several windows, a screen door, and managed to enter the residence
after breaking through the back door. According to park rangers, it appears the bear rummaged through
garbage and recycling while inside the residence. No people were injured during the incident.
Park rangers also report witnessing several incidents in which the bear was found foraging for food near the
Many Glacier Road, and physically contacting visitor vehicles. This bear was determined to be a food-conditioned
bear and a potential threat to human safety.
After Glacier National Park personnel verified that the correct animal had been captured through distinct
markings, the bear was euthanized. This action is consistent with Glacier National Park’s Bear Management Plan.
The male bear was approximately five years old and weighed 160 pounds.
http://www.nps.gov/glac/parknews/food-conditioned-black-bear-euthanized.htm