Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has euthanized six black bears in the Red Lodge area this year due to food conditioning and public safety concerns. Some bears have become aggressive around humans after accessing unsecured food sources, and FWP suspects that intentional feeding by some community members is contributing to this issue.
You can help prevent bear conflicts by not feeding wildlife and reporting any intentional feeding to your local FWP or by visiting tipmont.mt.gov. It is essential to secure food attractants properly to keep both humans safe and bears wild. For more information on living in bear country, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.
Bear conflicts have escalated this year in the area, leading to unprecedented actions by FWP. Feeding bears not only creates abnormal behaviors but also poses safety risks. Lethal removal is often necessary to protect people and property. In the Rock Creek Valley, both black and grizzly bears are common, so residents must take precautions to prevent conflicts.
“I’ve never seen bears behaving quite like this,” said Shawn Stewart, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife biologist who has worked in the area for more than five decades. “They’re bolder, breaking into vehicles and homes in broad daylight and approaching, following and even chasing people.”
If you have information about intentional feeding, please visit tipmont.mt.gov or contact your local FWP. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Karen Anderson: July 21, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
