Nine Montanans are asking the courts to stop a hunt that could hurt black bear populations in northwest Montana.

One wolf-related bill was defeated in the Montana Senate, but two are still alive and headed back to the House.

The Senate denied a bill to create an open season on wolves, but advanced three other wolf-related bills last week.

“We’re talking about black bears that are becoming more and more dangerous as they get used to humans.” Opponents, meanwhile, say that those pushing for the hunt are reacting to the public ...