Bill > HB648

This bill amends Montana's existing wildlife management law to require the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to provide more comprehensive notification before relocating large predators such as bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Specifically, the department must now provide both verbal and written notice to county commissioners, sheriff's offices, and tribal governments in the area where a large predator will be relocated. These notifications must occur at several key stages: when an annual relocation plan is finalized, when a plan changes, within 24 hours of capturing a predator intended for relocation, and within 24 hours of actually relocating a predator to a previously approved site. The bill reinforces existing legislative intent that wildlife management should prioritize human safety, protect livestock and pets, and preserve hunting opportunities. These new notification requirements aim to improve communication and coordination between state wildlife managers and local governments, ensuring that communities are informed about potential large predator movements that could impact local safety and agricultural operations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1704