Yellowstone Kills First Black Bear in Five Years

Yellowstone National Park staff lethally removed an adult female black bear on July 11 after it repeatedly accessed human food at a backcountry campsite, undeterred by proper storage measures. The bear's escalating food-seeking behavior, including crushing a tent and climbing a storage pole, led officials to determine it had become dangerously food-conditioned and a threat to public safety. Such actions are rare but necessitate removal to protect both visitors and wildlife. This is the first black bear killed by Yellowstone staff in five years, highlighting the park’s strict food storage policies. Meanwhile, black bear sightings in Billings, Montana, have led authorities to warn residents and urge adherence to bear safety guidelines. Officials continue to stress the importance of proper food storage to prevent future conflicts.