LAUREL – A black bear was hunted near Laurel on Wednesday after being spotted in a tree.
Yellowstone County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of the bear around 7 a.m. near the Pheasant Brook Subdivision.
A Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden came out and determined it was a black bear and could be left alone.
Later, a hunter with a permit harvested the bear.
The bear was estimated to have been around three years old, and around 100 to 120 pounds.
“The hunting season for black bears is open right now, it opened April 15, and it doesn’t close until the end of the month,” said FWP spokesman Bob Gibson. “In that area, there isn’t a quota for bears so it was perfectly legal to go hunt that bear.”
Gibson says at this time of year, it’s important to *not leave things out that may attract bears.
He suggests not putting garbage out until the day it’s going to be picked up, not leaving barbeques out after cooking, and not leaving pet food close to the home.
Related: Deputies track bear in Laurel area
