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Montana authorities investigate 2 grizzly bear shootings

Posted at 4:26 PM, Dec 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-20 20:22:20-05

POLSON – Tribal and federal authorities are looking for the public’s help in the wake of a pair of grizzly bear shootings.

The Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking information on the shooting of a female grizzly bear in the Moiese Valley that occurred on or about Oct. 12, 2018. The bear was found shot to death in a field near Moiese Valley Road and Kuntz Lane.

Wildlife officials were notified on Oct. 19 of another injured grizzly bear with a large wound on its face north of St. Ignatius in the area of Lemery and Watson roads. The female grizzly was located, captured and euthanized due to the extent of her injuries.

The carcass was taken to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks lab in Bozeman where examination revealed the sow had been shot in the face at close range with birdshot.

Both female grizzlies were lactating at the time of death and may have had cubs of the year or yearlings.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call CSKT Tribal Dispatch at (406) 675-2700 or the Service Special Agent at (406) 329-3000.

Callers do not have to identify themselves and a reward of up to $3,000 is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction.