A recent incident in Montana is highlighting increasing encounters between humans and grizzlies as the bear populations continue to grow and expand their territories into human-inhabited areas. Last week, one such incident occurred near Wolf Creek, Montana, where an antler hunter fatally shot a grizzly bear during a close encounter.
On April 25th, while searching for shed antlers, a man accompanied by his dogs encountered a grizzly on a ridge. The bear charged, and the man responded by shooting it, resulting in the bear’s death and the subsequent need to rehome its cub. This incident is under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
As spring ushers in more active bear behavior, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is intensifying its efforts to educate the public on being bear aware. Recent sightings, including one in the Bear Paw Mountains and others as far flung as the Pryor Mountains near Billings, have prompted increased community outreach. FWP emphasizes the importance of bear spray, safe storage of attractants, and vigilance in bear territory.
The expansion of grizzly territories into areas like central and north central Montana—traditionally cattle country—has led to more frequent interactions. FWP provides resources and assistance to help residents and landowners mitigate bear conflicts effectively.
With grizzly bears still protected under the Endangered Species Act, it’s crucial for everyone in bear country to adopt preventative measures to minimize conflicts. These measures include carrying bear spray, securing food sources, and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.
Bear Country Safety
Outdoors
- Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.
- Stay alert and look for bear activity, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams)
- Travel in a group and keep members together (especially kids).
- Make noise whenever possible to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited.
- Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk.
- Avoid carcass sites and scavenger concentrations.
Camping
- Keep food and anything with a scent out of tents.
- Dispose of garbage in bear resistant bins; otherwise, take it with you and dispose of it properly elsewhere. Do not bury or burn garbage.
- Follow local land management agency food storage orders and properly store unattended food and anything else with a scent.
- Food storage options:
- Bear boxes
- Hard-sided vehicles (car, truck, RV). Avoid leaving attractants in vehicles for extended periods of time (backcountry trips).
- IGBC-certified bear resistant containers
- Temporary electric fencing (PDF)
- Food storage options:
Riding and Running
- Anyone traveling quickly (mountain biker, trail runner) can be at high risk of surprising a bear.
- Slow down and look ahead, especially in areas of dense vegetation, berry patches, and around blind corners.
- Ride or run in daylight and in groups.
- Make noise! Let bears hear you, especially where visibility is limited.
- View a video about Bear aware when riding or running in Bear country.
- Biking in Bear Country (YouTube)
