BUTTE — The black bear sow was shot and killed by an officer with Montana Fish, Wildlife, Parks on Wednesday morning.
Sheriff Ed Lester said the bear was killed around 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Her two cubs are currently in a tree near the Mineral Museum on the Montana Tech campus.
The bear was killed after unsuccessful attempts to haze her and her cubs away from populated areas.
She was darted and tranquilized at least twice before being put down.
FWP officials are at the scene with the cubs and working to determine the best course of action.
No other details have been released at this point. We will update you if we get more information.
(1st REPORT, AUGUST 27) A black bear sow and her two cubs were spotted in the area south of Park Street and west of Excelsior Street in Butte on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks had set up baited traps to catch the bears and then take them out of town.
Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department said the cubs were last seen in the area of West Elementary School, and the sow was last seen in the area of Steel Street and Montrose.
The bears have apparently been feeding on garbage cans in the area.
MTN reporter John Emeigh has been following the story and captured the video of the trio (see above).
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