Outrage In Yellowstone! Grizzly Bear Killed By Wildlife Officials & Left With Head & Paws Cut Off

Photo by: Trisha McFarland / Cowboy State Daily

A photo of a dead grizzly bear with its head and paws cut off has caused an uproar, especially after learning it was a beloved bear known to the Yellowstone community.

Early Monday morning, the gruesome photo of the bear was captured by a guide on the Yellowstone River near Gardiner.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), on Thursday, July 18, 2024, staff shot and killed the grizzly bear after it had become conditioned to obtaining unsecured food attractants and breaking into houses in and around Gardiner.

The bear’s carcass was left in the Yellowstone River after FWP wardens shockingly cut off and confiscated its head and paws. Wildlife officials said that the reasoning for this was to make sure that those bear parts wouldn’t end up on the black market, where grizzly skulls and claws are sadly popular items.

It is truly heartbreaking that instead of relocating the bear, officials chose to resort to killing the animal for simply following its natural instincts and searching for food. They must be held accountable for their actions.

Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly bears in Montana, including places where grizzly bears haven’t been present for decades.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are asked to store food, garbage, and other attractants securely indoors or in certified bear-resistant containers. Feeding wildlife, including bears, is illegal in Montana and can lead to fines and other penalties.

FWP staff and Bear Aware Gardiner have offered extensive educational outreach, working with several property owners to secure or upgrade their garbage cans or install electric fencing to hopefully prevent this from happening again.

Grizzly bears are a keystone species, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Their presence helps to regulate the populations of other animals and plants, ensuring the health and diversity of the park’s biodiversity.

The Yellowstone River, where the bear was found, is a crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife, including wolves, elk, and bison. The river provides a vital source of water and food for these animals, making it essential for their survival.

This is a wake-up call for all of us to cherish and respect the natural world and the species that inhabit it. We must come together to ensure the safety and well-being of our wildlife and preserve the beauty and diversity of our national parks for future generations to come. We must ensure this tragic situation never happens again.