Grizzly bear that killed Montana man previously was captured

KALISPELL – Montana wildlife officials say the bear that attacked and killed a mountain biker near Glacier National Park was an 18- to 20-year-old male grizzly that had been previously captured.

Brad Treat, a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer, surprised the bear June 29 while riding his bicycle along a trail with limited sight distances, leaving little time to react.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials said Wednesday that DNA testing determined the bear that mauled Treat had been captured in 2006 and released as part of research in Glacier National Park. At the time, the grizzly was estimated to be 8 to 10 years old. It doesn’t have documented history of conflicts with people.

Officials initially searched for the animal but weren’t able to find it. The agency has ended its investigation.