Glacier National Park rewrites grizzly bear rules after sow, cub killed last fall

Glacier makes it easier to remove problem bears

WEST GLACIER, Mont. — Glacier National Park has made it easier to haze or kill problem bears in response to last year’s shooting of a bear that had become increasingly bold around humans.

New rules announced Monday lower the bar under which park administrators can list a bear as “conditioned.” That designation can trigger hazing or killing the animal to keep visitors safe.

Bears will now be considered conditioned if they approach people or repeatedly touch tents, backpacks or food containers. Previously the animals had to steal food, destroy property or display aggressive behavior toward people.

Last August, park rangers shot a female grizzly — and inadvertently killed one of her cubs — after she lost her fear of humans.