Along the Hi-Line in Montana, Recreationists are Encouraged to be Bear Aware

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks encourages folks to be bear aware, even in the "Hi-Line" area of central and eastern Montana.

Many folks are heading into the field for fall hunting, and bears are often very active this time of year as they are looking for high-calorie food sources before hibernation.

Bear populations are expanding, and although bear encounters are rare in most of central and eastern Montana, there are known black and grizzly bears in all kinds of habitats along the Hi-Line. This includes the Little Rockies and Bear Paw Mountains, the Missouri and Milk River corridors, and potentially anywhere on the prairie. Folks that plan to hunt in these areas should be diligent on being bear-aware.

Tips for hunters and others that recreate in bear country:

Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.

Stay alert and look for bear activity and sign, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams).

Pack meat out as soon as possible, or properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.

If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.

Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.

If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.

Tips for homeowners/landowners:

-Remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food.

-Stay at least 100 yards away from wildlife and try to haze animals off their property with hard-sided vehicles and loud noises.

-Chickens and other small livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door.

-Domestic fruit should be picked up as soon as possible.

More great information can be found online at https://fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware on how to live and recreate in bear country.

FWP specialists work diligently to help landowners, communities, and recreators avoid bear conflicts. In central Montana, to report a sighting, conflict, or for assistance securing attractants, contact FWP bear specialists David Kemp at 406-450-1097 or Chad White at 406-788-4755. In case of a conflict where livestock is involved, call your local USDA Wildlife Services agent.