Heartbreaking Find: Montana Bear Cub Shot and Left to Waste

A heartbreaking discovery in the Bitterroot Valley has local wildlife officials seeking answers after a bear cub was found under tragic circumstances.

BUMMER IN THE BITTERROOT

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that game wardens are seeking information on a black bear cub that was shot and left to waste on U.S. Forest Service land west of Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley. The incident took place near Silverthorn Creek off the St. Mary Peak Road.

The black bear cub was found this past Sunday, November 23, and is believed to have been killed between November 20 and November 22. A Montana FWP biologist confirmed it was a young-of-the-year black bear cub.

HERE'S HOPING SOMEONE KNOWS SOMETHING

It is unlawful to harvest black bear cubs, defined as a bear less than one year old. It is also unlawful to harvest a female bear with cubs. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens say that wildlife crimes like this one are often solved because of leads from the public and encourage anyone with information to make a report.

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Sure, it can be a long shot. But oftentimes people who commit such offenses tend to talk about it or even boast about it. Anyone with possible tips on this incident is encouraged to contact Bitterroot area game warden Shane Yaskus at 406-240-0764. You can also report this or any wildlife crime on the Montana FWP TipMont website, and get more information on reporting natural resource crimes and who to contact in your local area. You may be eligible for a reward and can remain anonymous.