The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department euthanized two young adult grizzly bears near Lincoln on September 11, 2026, after the animals repeatedly accessed unsecured food sources. The decision followed a series of conflicts that began in late August, according to reporting by Montana Public Radio.

Officials determined that relocation was not a viable option due to the bears’ conditioned behavior and concerns for human safety. Vivica Crowser, an FWP spokesperson, noted that the incidents were primarily centered around poultry operations.

“Mostly they’ve been related to chicken coops, a lot of chicken coops in and near town,” Crowser told the Montana Public Radio.

Challenging Bear Season

The Lincoln-area removals occur during a difficult year for wildlife management in Montana. Bear-human conflicts have increased statewide in 2026, driven largely by a scarcity of natural food sources such as chokecherries. When natural foods are limited, bears are more likely to seek out human-provided calories, leading to dangerous encounters.

The risks of conditioned behavior were highlighted earlier this month when a grizzly bear grievously wounded a woman hiking outside Columbia Falls on August 31. Such incidents underscore the agency’s stance that bears accustomed to artificial food sources pose significant threats to public safety.

“It can be a pretty hard habit to break once bears get conditioned to use unnatural foods,” Crowser told the Montana Public Radio.

Prevention Measures

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are urging residents across the state to secure potential attractants. Recommendations include locking garbage cans, protecting small livestock, covering barbecues, and removing bird feeders during peak bear activity seasons. These measures aim to reduce the likelihood of bears associating human settlements with easy meals.

The agency’s focus on lethal removal in cases of repeated conditioning reflects a broader strategy to prioritize human safety while managing bear populations in areas where natural food supplies are insufficient. As the 2026 season continues, officials warn that vigilance remains critical to preventing further conflicts between residents and wildlife.