Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials euthanized two young grizzly bears on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, after the animals repeatedly targeted residential areas near Lincoln. The decision followed a ten-day period of aggressive behavior that raised significant safety concerns for local residents, according to reporting from ktvh.com.
Escalating Conflicts
The bears had been raiding chicken coops and accessing grain supplies stored near homes in the Lincoln area. Wildlife staff and neighbors worked together to remove food attractants during the ten-day window, but the animals remained in the vicinity and displayed bold behavior toward human property.
After these mitigation efforts failed to deter the bears, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks crews trapped the two animals on Sept. 9. Agency personnel then collaborated with federal officials to determine that euthanasia was the necessary course of action due to the persistent threat to public safety.
Statewide Bear Activity
The incident in Lincoln reflects a broader trend across Montana this season, where bear-human conflicts have increased significantly. Officials attribute the rise in encounters to a scarcity of natural food sources, particularly chokecherries, which are driving bears into towns and residential neighborhoods in search of alternative sustenance.
To reduce the likelihood of similar encounters, wildlife agencies are urging residents to take specific precautions regarding food storage and outdoor habits:
- Store garbage bins inside secure buildings and only place them out on collection day.
- Keep pet food indoors at all times.
- Clean outdoor grills after every use to remove grease and food residue.
- Avoid using bird feeders until mid-December, when bear activity typically decreases.
These measures aim to eliminate artificial food sources that draw bears into populated areas. The agency emphasized that consistent adherence to these guidelines is critical for protecting both residents and wildlife during the fall season.
