Why a Conditioned Bear is a Dangerous One in Montana

Just as news was breaking about the future of grizzly bears in Montana and the surrounding states, another major announcement was made by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks through the region 6 office.

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State officials with the agency are warning not just tourists about the problems associated with feeding bears across Montana.  The MFWP says residents may be part of the conditioned bear problem in the Red Lodge area leading to euthanized bears.

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Why a Conditioned Bear is a Dangerous One in Montana

The Region 6 office stated through social media that as of July 17, 2026, six bears have been euthanized due to "severe food conditioning and public safety concerns."  Officials stated that "some black and grizzly bears in the area have become aggressive and bold around humans."

Jillian Cooper

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MFWP believes that unsecured food attractants were the cause of the food conditioning of the bears including garbage and pet food left outside.  MFWP said ensuring food attractants will help to keep humans safe and bears wild.

MFWP Suspects Local Residents in Red Lodge May Be Feeding Wildlife

A disturbing part of the report on the euthanized bears included within the social media post warned not just tourists about feeding wildlife and bears, it also warned local residents of Red Lodge, Montana against do so as well.

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MFWP said that "FWP suspects some community members are intentionally feeding bears" and that wildlife should never be intentionally fed.  They also encouraged individuals who witness a suspected intentional wildlife feeding to report it to warden Matt Heaton at 406-860-7806.  You can learn more about bear awareness here.