Decapitated carcass found on Northern Cheyenne Reservation sliced open, missing paws

On the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana, where turmoil has been seething within the local government, the recent discovery of a mutilated black bear cub reported in Cowboy State Daily adds a disturbing element to more than a year of deep unrest for the tribe.

The person who told the Wyoming outlet she found the carcass Tuesday described a decapitated “baby bear” near a public-use picnic table and fire ring at Crazy Head Springs. According to Cowboy State’s Emma Jane Jackson, the bear’s paws appeared to have been cut off cleanly at the ankles, its torso had been sliced open to reveal its organs and bones and its fur had been scattered around the area. Parts of the carcass also looked burned. 

According to Cowboy State, Stacie Joiner reported the bear to the Bureau of Indian Affairs after she stumbled upon the carcass but was told no officer was available to meet her. Another source told Cowboy State the bear was reported to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, but no one from the state agency had responded immediately, either. 

Joiner said in the story she plans to arrange a proper burial for the bear with her brother and a close friend. She said she definitely believes the treatment of the dead bear goes “hand-in-hand” with the pain, struggle and dysfunction the tribe is experiencing from the leadership disputes.