June 18, 2019 - 4:22 PM
WHITEFISH, Mont. - Montana wildlife officials have euthanized two young grizzly bears that were caught after killing chickens and damaging property.
News organizations report the bears were captured June 7 and euthanized at a veterinary clinic June 12.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say the animals and an adult female bear were killing livestock at a property near Whitefish Lake.
The younger bears, each weighing about 120 pounds (54 kilograms), were held onsite in traps as authorities unsuccessfully tried to capture the adult.
Wildlife officials say they first captured the three bears last fall after they killed chickens near Whitefish, moving them to another area before the bears returned and caused extensive property damage.
Officials say a public safety risk arises when wild animals lose natural foraging habits and become food conditioned.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019