Montana Couple Sentenced for Illegal Bear Feeding
Feeding wildlife caused bear habituation that led to five animal deaths in Canyon Creek.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife
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Scott Bremes Medina and Lucrecia Medina received three-year deferred sentences for illegally feeding black bears in Canyon Creek. The feeding habituated the animals to humans, ultimately resulting in the state euthanizing five adult bears.
Why it matters
Wildlife habituation poses significant safety risks to neighboring properties and complicates local conservation efforts. This incident illustrates the legal consequences of attracting wildlife to residential areas with large quantities of food.
Investigators seized 400 pounds of animal feed from the property, including sweet pellets, cracked corn, and produce. Scott Medina must pay $800 in restitution, while Lucrecia Medina owes $4,000 to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
The players
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
The state agency responsible for managing wildlife populations and enforcing regulations that protect both animals and residents.
Montana WILD
A facility managed by the state that provides care for injured or orphaned wildlife, including three bear cubs seized from the property.
The details
The Medinas attracted bears by leaving out large volumes of grain, birdseed, and produce on their property, which caused the animals to associate human presence with food sources. Game wardens and law enforcement executed a search warrant to tranquilize and remove the habituated animals. This process is necessary when wildlife loses its natural fear of humans, as the animals frequently become a public safety hazard.
Timeline
September 2022: Neighbors reported illegal feeding activity to FWP.
January 2026: Lucrecia Medina received a three-year deferred sentence.
April 2026: Scott Bremes Medina pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment.
October 29, 2026: Scott Bremes Medina received a three-year deferred sentence.
The Home Front
Wildlife management laws across Montana prioritize keeping attractants secured to prevent animals from entering residential areas. This case follows a pattern of strict legal repercussions for property owners who knowingly compromise local safety by fostering animal dependency.
Property owners should ensure that potential wildlife attractants like pet food, birdseed, and livestock grain are stored securely in critter-proof containers. If you observe neighbors intentionally feeding wildlife, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to report the activity before it creates a hazard.
The takeaway
Wildlife habituation creates dangerous situations that often lead to lethal management of the animals. To prevent these risks on your property, keep all grain, birdseed, and produce secured away from outdoor areas.
Further reading
For guidance on managing local wildlife safely, see more in Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Montana Standard.
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Should residents be held criminally liable for feeding wild animals on their own property?
