Black bears rummage through dumpsters. Photo courtesy of FWP
Two black bear cubs at Montana WILD’s Wildlife Center in Helena are headed to a new permanent home at an out-of-state zoo, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The two cubs, along with their mother, were feeding on unsecured garbage around Butte over the summer leading FWP officials to euthanize the food-conditioned adult female. Officials captured the cubs on the Montana Tech campus and moved them to the rehabilitation facility in Helena for temporary care.
Staff members at the Wildlife Center observed garbage in the cubs’ scat initially after capture and said the bears did not show any fear of humans — indications that the young bears were comfortable with human presence and would not be good candidates to be rereleased into the wild.
An FWP spokesperson said officials loaded the two bears for road transport on Oct. 16 and confirmed they are bound for a zoo but said they were unable to disclose the specific facility at this time.
Food-related conflicts with wildlife are preventable, according to FWP.
FWP officials urge all Montana residents to secure attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and food in certified bear-resistant containers or move them indoors. Chicken and livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door.
Anyone recreating in bear country should be aware of their presence and follow precautionary steps and tips to prevent conflicts, such as carrying bear spray and knowing how to effectively use it; traveling in groups and making noise; and following food storage orders from land management agencies.