Hiking Area Closed After Bear Troubles

Fri., Aug. 30, 1996

Associated Press

The Forest Service has closed a popular hiking area in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area because of five confrontations between grizzly bears and people in two weeks.

Two young grizzlies that are believed to be the culprits were captured Tuesday near the Big Sky Resort, but the Cedar Lake area will remain closed until they are sure, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest spokesman Jack de Golia said Wednesday.

The grizzlies took backpacks or fish on two occasions. Cedar Lake is in the Madison Range southeast of Ennis.

The two young suspects were trapped Tuesday by Kevin Frey, grizzly bear management specialist with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, after they wandered down a ski run and came near the resort’s Huntley Lodge. He said the bears were about 1-1/2 years old and probably have learned to associate food with people.

The smaller bear appeared more submissive and will be relocated to a remote area. The other bear was more aggressive and may have to be killed.

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Hiking Area Closed After Bear Troubles

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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