May 18, 1999 Missoulian article: Grizzly found shot; another killed by train
A group of anglers found the carcass near Hungry Horse Bay and called a local hunting guide to identify the species. The guide confirmed that it was a grizzly, saying it was a mature bear weighing about 350 pounds.
Because spring black bear season is under way, the guide speculated that the bear may have been killed in a case of mistaken identity and then left behind after the shooter made a positive species identification
On Sunday, Flathead County sheriff"s deputies investigating the shooting were on the lookout for a newer model white Ford pickup with Pennsylvania license plates. However, the vehicle was not located and it is not clear if the occupants were considered as possible Suspects or witnesses. Two of the three men in the car were described as white adults about 30 years old, with the third man estimated between 50 and 60 years old.
Wardens with the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said a "substantial reward" is available for information leading to a conviction in the case, and emphasized that tipsters could remain completely anonymous.
Anyone with information, they said, should call 1-800-TIP-MONT, or contact their local FWP office.
Meanwhile, authorities said a grizzly bear struck and killed by a train near Essex on Saturday apparently was feeding on grain spilled along the tracks, state wildlife officials said.
The 12-year-old female grizzly was killed late Saturday night by a.Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad train just west of the Java Bridge, five miles east of Essex.
Grizzly management specialist, Tim Manley said the bear had been radio-collared as part of an ongoing study of grizzlies using the highway corridor between Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness.