House Agriculture Committee passes bill adding black bears to Livestock Loss Board

Summary

The House Agriculture Committee passed House Bill 356 by voice vote to add black bears to Montana's Livestock Loss Board, making ranchers eligible for compensation and mitigation grants; proponents said black-bear predation is rising as grizzly expansion shifts bear ranges, and the Department of Livestock outlined existing funding and verification processes.

Representative Eric Tillman of House District 23 opened and closed the public hearing on House Bill 356, telling the House Agriculture Committee that the bill would add black bears to Montana’s Livestock Loss Board so ranchers could be compensated for depredation and apply for mitigation grants.

Tillman said the Livestock Loss Board — established by the Legislature in 2006 to compensate losses from state-managed predators — already covers grizzly bears and mountain lions and that adding black bears would “give ranchers eligibility for compensation” and extend grant funding for prevention such as electric fencing. He told the committee that "last year there was $450,000 that is annually set aside" for the program and that he expected roughly "$18,000 in claims" if black bears were added.

Testimony in favor came from ranchers and agriculture organizations. Merrill McKamey, a fourth-generation ranch manager from Cascade County, said…

House Agriculture Committee passes bill adding black bears to Livestock Loss Board

Summary

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