Montana On The Ground

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Grizzly bear poached near Seeley Lake

Photo credit: Terry Tollefsbol / NPS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seek information on the poaching of a male grizzly bear in the Swan Valley.

The bear was found dead about 10 miles north of Seeley Lake along Highway 83 on Nov. 6. Investigators retrieved the carcass and discovered the bear had died about two weeks ago – between Nov. 3 and Nov. 5 - of a gunshot wound. The bear has been sent to the FWP laboratory in Bozeman for further analysis.

Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act so intentionally poaching a grizzly bear is a federal felony.

FWP and the USFWS ask that anyone with information on the killing call 800-TIP-MONT. Callers may remain anonymous and may earn a reward of up to $2,000 if the tip leads to a conviction.