A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear biologists investigated and retrieved the carcass of an adult female grizzly bear from the Paola Creek area of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River drainage on May 20.

The carcass was transported to the FWP lab in Bozeman where examination revealed that the bear had been shot.

There was evidence of additional bears at the site, and a remote camera photographed two yearling grizzly bears orphaned by the death of the adult female. The young bears are about 15 months old and looked to be in good condition. The biologists decided to leave the young bears in the wild.

FWP and FWS are asking for anyone with any information on this case to call 1-800-TIP MONT. Callers do not have to identify themselves, and a reward of up to $2,000 may be available for information leading to a conviction.

FWP and FWS officials also are investigating the death of a male grizzly bear at the Yaak Falls Campground reported to FWP on May 24.  The investigation is on-going and no further details are available at this time.