05-02-2008, 08:19 PM
BIG TIMBER - A grizzly bear that caused safety concerns and showed a diminished fear of people was captured near cabins in the Boulder River drainage south of Big Timber this week. It will be transferred to Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., where it will live in a facility that researches bear biology and behavior.
<br>The bear originally drew the attention of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks last Thanksgiving when it looked into windows at a home south of Red Lodge. Biologists and wardens capture it at that time and transplanted it, along with some food, in the upper reaches of the Boulder River drainage. The grizzly bear emerged from hibernation early this spring and traveled down the drainage to an area that includes cabins and camps.<br>
<br>Wardens made numerous unsuccessful attempts to haze the bear away from people during the past week. As it became more habituated, they decided to capture and transplant it elsewhere. However, deep snowpack lingering in Montana's high country meant that the only places available for transplant would put the bear back in the proximity of people.<br>
<br>Washington State University agreed Tuesday to add the bear to its research program. The bear and live-trap were loaded on a truck and headed to Pullman late Tuesday.
<br>The bear originally drew the attention of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks last Thanksgiving when it looked into windows at a home south of Red Lodge. Biologists and wardens capture it at that time and transplanted it, along with some food, in the upper reaches of the Boulder River drainage. The grizzly bear emerged from hibernation early this spring and traveled down the drainage to an area that includes cabins and camps.<br>
<br>Wardens made numerous unsuccessful attempts to haze the bear away from people during the past week. As it became more habituated, they decided to capture and transplant it elsewhere. However, deep snowpack lingering in Montana's high country meant that the only places available for transplant would put the bear back in the proximity of people.<br>
<br>Washington State University agreed Tuesday to add the bear to its research program. The bear and live-trap were loaded on a truck and headed to Pullman late Tuesday.