Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) game wardens are seeking information on a black bear sow that was shot and abandoned last week in the South Fork of Little Joe Creek, just west of the town of St. Regis.
The bear was shot and killed with a rifle sometime between May 31 and June 3 on US Forest Service Rd 221, approximately four miles up the South Fork of Little Joe Creek.
The sow left two orphaned cubs. One died of malnourishment, and FWP transported the other to its wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena on Saturday.
FWP received the report of the incident last week after ATV riders travelling the Forest Service road spotted the bears. The case is under investigation, and game wardens are asking for the public’s help.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction.
(Report via Montana FWP)
