Black Bears Euthanized After Food Conflicts in Parks

A 4-year-old female black bear in Glacier National Park was euthanized after it aggressively sought and gained access to human food by entering vehicles and buildings, despite having been previously relocated in 2022. Officials determined that non-lethal measures were ineffective, and the bear had only recently become food-conditioned, prompting the decision based on public safety. In a separate incident, another female bear with a cub accessed food from an unattended backpack, leading to a temporary closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and warnings that additional problematic behavior could result in relocation or euthanasia. Similar bear-human conflicts have occurred in Utah, where a young bear was euthanized after losing its fear of humans due to food access. Wildlife and park officials emphasize the importance of securing food, trash, and attractants to prevent habituation and protect both bears and people. These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of managing bear behavior in areas frequented by humans.