Male grizzly bear euthanized on Rocky Mountain Front for calf depredations

A young, male grizzly bear was euthanized Thursday, April 16, after it was captured by USDA Wildlife Services for calf depredations on the Rocky Mountain Front southwest of Augusta.

"Besides causing calf depredations, it was coming in close to ranch homes," said Mike Madel, Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear management specialist.

Madel said the bear was five-and-a-half years old and weighed 586 pounds.

The bear had not been captured previously, Madel said, but its removal was allowed under Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Guidelines developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, FWP and Wildlife Services.

The hide and skull were taken to a taxidermist and will be used for educational purposes.

As bears emerge from their winter dens and look for food, FWP recommends folks who live and recreate in bear country take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

Homeowners in bear country should secure garbage inside a closed garage or secure shed, feed pets inside, clean up chicken and livestock feed, and in general remove all odorous substances that can draw bears.

For more information, please call Bruce Auchly at 406-454-5845.