Dumpster-diving grizzly captured near Stryker Eds: APNewsNow.

STRYKER, Mont. (AP) A Dumpster-diving grizzly bear has been captured near Stryker, south of Eureka, and has been relocated in the North Fork Flathead River Drainage.

State wildlife officials say the 500-pound, 6- to 8-year-old male grizzly was captured earlier this week behind the Point of Rocks Restaurant near Stryker.

The bear had been getting into a large metal trash bin near the restaurant.

The animal was released Thursday in the North Fork Drainage.

Grizzly Bear management specialist Tim Manley, with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is working with the restaurant owner to install a bear-resistant dumpster.

Manley says grizzly bears have been coming out of their dens for the past three weeks and, because of the late spring snowpack, have been dropping down into the valleys in search of food.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-24-08 1522CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list