Federally protected bear cub found shot to death beside road, Montana officials say
A federally protected bear cub was found shot to death along a road in northern Montana, wildlife officials said.
Now officials are looking for the person they say killed the animal.
The dead grizzly bear cub was first discovered June 7 in New Miami Colony, west of Conrad, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a June 21 news release.
It had been shot and was likely killed after June 4, wildlife officials said.
Grizzly bears were listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975 in the lower 48 states.
They are protected at a state and federal level, making it illegal to “harm, harass, or kill grizzly bears, except in cases of self defense or the defense of others.”
Anyone who has information about the grizzly cub can report a tip by calling 1-800-847-6668 or by submitting an online report. Anonymous tips can be made. A cash reward may be available if someone’s information leads to a conviction, wildlife officials said.
Conrad is about 190 miles northeast of Missoula.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
