Bear that mauled a hiker near West Yellowstone gets killed after breaking into a house

Grizzly Bear Responsible for Fatal Attack Near Yellowstone Park Killed After Breaking into Montana Home

In a recent incident near West Yellowstone, a grizzly bear met its end after it invaded a residential home over the weekend. The Montana wildlife authorities made the announcement on Wednesday, shedding light on this event.

Uninvited House Guest

On an early Saturday morning, a homeowner found themselves in an unexpected predicament. They reported that a bear, accompanied by its cub, had managed to break into their kitchen through a window. Their motive? A container of dog food, of all things. This daring escapade was confirmed by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in an official statement.

Fate of the Bear

Later in the day, wildlife agency workers were able to capture the bear cub. To protect the safety of the residents, they made the tough decision to shoot the 10-year-old female grizzly. This action was taken with the authorization of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Bear’s Troubling Past

The bear involved in this incident has a troubled history. Through genetic analysis and other identifying factors, it was confirmed to be the same bear responsible for the fatal attack on Amie Adamson, a 48-year-old former teacher from Kansas, that occurred on July 22. This tragic incident took place approximately 8 miles from West Yellowstone. Earlier attempts to capture the bear after the July attack had proven unsuccessful.

This bear, captured in 2017 for research purposes, was also implicated in an attack that took place in Idaho back in 2020, near Henrys Lake State Park, just 16 miles away from West Yellowstone. Authorities believe that both encounters with humans were defensive reactions by the bear, indicating the bear may not have been inherently aggressive.

Cub’s Future

As for the bear cub, weighing in at 46 pounds, it is currently being held at the state wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena. Plans are underway to transfer it to a zoo, ensuring its safety and well-being while maintaining the safety of the local residents.