Officials Relocate Black Bear Cub in Great Falls

Wildlife staff safely moved a young bear after it entered a residential area following failed hazing attempts.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Wildlife

Officials Relocate Black Bear Cub in Great Falls

Live Poll

Should local wildlife officials prioritize relocating bears that wander into residential neighborhoods?

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials successfully tranquilized and relocated a 40 to 50-pound black bear cub in Great Falls. The juvenile bear had moved into a residential neighborhood and resisted multiple attempts by wardens to haze him out of the area.

Why it matters

Relocating bears that have not yet become food-conditioned is a standard management practice used to prevent human-wildlife conflict. By moving the animal before he grows accustomed to residential areas, authorities aim to keep both the community and the bear safe.

The relocated black bear is a cub born in 2025 that weighs approximately 40 to 50 pounds. He was released into a remote area within Cascade County after being immobilized by staff.

The players

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

This state agency is responsible for the stewardship of Montana's fish, wildlife, and park resources.

The details

After monitoring the cub for several days, wardens conducted repeated hazing efforts to encourage the bear to leave the urban setting. When these measures proved unsuccessful, staff ultimately darted and secured the animal on Tuesday morning for transport to a safer habitat.

Sunday, October 18, 2026: Wardens attempted to haze the bear.
Monday, October 19, 2026: Wardens attempted to haze the bear.
Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026: Staff darted and relocated the bear.

Culture Shift

This relocation follows the pattern set by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Bear Management Guidelines, which prioritize non-lethal intervention for juvenile wildlife. Such actions reflect a broader shift toward proactive human-wildlife coexistence strategies in growing urban-interface areas.

Residents in the area should remain vigilant and continue to secure trash or attractants to prevent future bear sightings. Proper storage of food sources is essential to ensure that bears do not become food-conditioned and return to residential neighborhoods.

The takeaway

When encountering a bear, residents should prioritize safety and report sightings to wildlife authorities rather than attempting intervention. Securing trash cans and pet food remains the most effective way to prevent animals from entering residential zones in the first place.