Grizzly bear killed in close encounter in Trego area

On the morning of Oct. 1, a landowner in the Trego area shot and killed a male grizzly bear. Fortunately, the landowner was uninjured in the encounter.   The landowner had gone outside to investigate noises coming from his property when he encountered the bear at close range. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, responded to the scene.   “We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “We understand that an encounter like this can be unsettling. Fall is an especially active time for bears as they move more in search of food, which can increase the potential for bear-related conflicts. Our staff remains committed to supporting communities and landowners to help people stay safe.”   In the fall, bears enter hyperphagia — a period of intense feeding where bears consume massive amounts of calories to build fat reserves before winter denning. Securing food and other attractants is the most effective way to prevent conflicts and keep bears away from your property.   Use these tips to secure attractants around the home:  Garbage  Store garbage in an IGBC-certified bear resistant bin in a secure location  Keep garbage and recycling in a secured building at all times    Put garbage and recycling out only on collection day.  Pet food, bird feeders and bird seed, or BBQ’s  If feeding pets outside, feed only during the day and clean up spilled or uneaten food  Avoid feeding birds during active bear season. Consider using bird houses, bird baths, and native vegetation instead  Clean BBQs thoroughly after use  Fruit-bearing trees and bushes, gardens, and compost piles  Pick fruit immediately once it is ripe  Store all picked fruits and vegetables inside a secure building  Consider installing an electric fence around fruit trees and gardens  Livestock  Store livestock feed in a secure building  Secure vulnerable livestock with an electric fence  For more information about securing attractants visit Living in Bear Country.  Source: Montana FWP Photo: Pixabay