Young grizzlies accused of killing 71 sheep

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 17, 2008 at 7:59 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 17, 2008 at 7:59 AM MDT

GREAT FALLS - Wildlife officials hope to capture two young grizzly bears suspected in a sheep killing spree that one government trapper says is the worst he's seen.

The bears are blamed for killing 71 lambs and ewes in pastures south of Choteau between June 11 and July 9. Mike Hogganm, of Valier, is a trapper with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services. He says most bears don't kill sheep, and the few that do don't usually stop.

A grizzly bear management specialist with Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Mike Madel, says a captured female would likely be relocated to the west side of the Rocky Mountains. He says the fate of a male "would be open for discussion."

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