MT HB356

Expands Montana's Livestock Loss Board programs to include black bears alongside wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears for both predation prevention grants and loss reimbursement

Livestock producers can now receive reimbursement at fair market value for confirmed or probable livestock losses caused by black bears, covering cattle, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, llamas, and livestock guard dogs

Adds the Montana black bear management plan to the list of plans the Livestock Loss Board administers, with grants for black bear predation prevention receiving lower priority than wolf and grizzly bear prevention

Authorizes the Livestock Loss Board to sell or auction black bear carcasses or parts recovered during management activities, with proceeds deposited into the livestock loss reduction and mitigation account

Effective date: July 1, 2025