Remove or secure food attractants and keep a clean campsite
HELENA – As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to head outdoors, and bears are leaving their winter dens. This time of year, bears are waking up from hibernation and are pretty hungry. So, it’s best for you, and for the bears, not to leave out anything that will attract their appetite or their curiosity.
If you’re outside working or recreating, you need to be aware that bears are out there, too. Anytime bears are not in hibernation, which is typically between the beginning of March and the end of November, is the time to be bear aware, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife information Specialist Danielle Oyler.
“Being bear aware means that you assume bears can be around, even if you don’t see them,” Oyler said. “You shouldn’t leave anything around your home or campsite that will attract a bear.”
These attractants include garbage, bird feeders and pet food. The most common human-bear conflicts involve unsecured food attractants.
Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and can be found anywhere west of Billings, Oyler said.
“Most bears want to avoid contact with people,” Oyler said. “But the best thing to do to avoid an unpleasant encounter with a bear is to assume bears are around and be prepared.”
This includes carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Oyler said to deploy the spray when the bear is about 25 feet away.
“If you feel threatened, stand your ground and use your bear spray,” she said.
Oyler will host a virtual bear aware presentation on April 4, at 6 p.m. Visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware for login information and for more information on being bear aware. To watch a video on being bear aware, click here.
Here are some general tips to stay bear aware:
Camping in bear country:
Fishing in bear country:
Biking and running in bear country:
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