14 Black Bears Lost Their Lives After People Fed Them

14 Black Bears Were Euthanized After Becoming Habituated To People

Fourteen black bears were euthanized north of Bozeman, and while this is tragic news, there is an important lesson to be learned from what happened.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says game wardens and wildlife staff were informed of an alleged supplemental feeding at a home on Sept. 24 and 25.

Feeding Bears Can Quickly Turn Into A Dangerous Problem

After inspecting the situation, officials determined the bears had become extremely food-conditioned and habituated to people.

Because officials believed their behavior had become a threat to human safety, 14 of the bears were captured and humanely euthanized. Thankfully, one cub was taken to Montana WILD in Helena in hopes of eventually finding a zoo placement.

Stories like this are exactly why FWP keeps telling people not to feed bears.

You might know it's harmful to toss some food outside for a bear, but tourists visiting Montana are notorious for doing this when they want to get a closer look.

CoyStClair

The Easiest Way To Avoid A Dangerous Bear Encounter

The problem is bears learn quickly where an easy meal can be found. FWP says feeding wildlife can cause animals to lose their natural fear of people and start boldly looking for human food. That can lead to conflicts that put both the animal and people in danger.

Perhaps you've heard the popular rhyme: "If it's black, fight back. If it's brown, lie down."

There's some truth behind that advice, but honestly, if you encounter either one, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is your best protection.

Still, the easiest way to avoid getting to that point is much simpler: Don't feed the bears.

That includes securing garbage, pet food, and other things around your home that can become easy meals.

Because a fed bear can quickly become a dead bear.