How To Stay Safe From Bears During Montana's Outdoor Season

As outdoor season begins to ramp up in Montana, so will the possibility of human-bear encounters.

There has been an increasing number of both human-bear encounters and bears becoming human-food dependent. These situations pose risks to both humans and the bear.

Be Bear Aware: Always Assume Bears Are Nearby

FWP’s core message is simple: Always assume you’re in bear country. Hunters should be alert, make noise in dense brush, and never stalk the game through thick cover without announcing their presence.

Grizzly bears are highly food-driven and may be drawn to gut piles or downed game animals. After a successful kill, hunters should field dress quickly, move meat and remains away from the original site, and return cautiously—approaching from upwind while making noise. Avoid leaving meat overnight, and always store it in a secure location if it must remain in the field temporarily.

Bear Spray: Know It. Carry It. Use It Properly.

Bear spray remains the most effective non-lethal defense against an aggressive bear. But it’s important to use it correctly. According to FWP, bear spray is not a repellent—you should not apply it to yourself, your gear, or around camp like bug spray. In fact, pre-sprayed objects can attract curious bears.

Instead, carry bear spray in an easily accessible holster and know how to deploy it effectively. Spray only when a bear is charging or acting aggressively, ideally when it is within 30 to 60 feet.

Understanding Bear Behavior Can Save Lives

Every bear encounter is different, and your response should depend on the bear’s behavior—not just its species.

If you spot a bear at a distance and it hasn’t noticed you, quietly leave the area. If it does see you, remain calm, speak in a low voice, and slowly back away when the bear is not looking toward you.

More threatening encounters—where a bear charges or displays defensive behavior like huffing, jaw-popping, or swaying—require standing your ground and preparing to use bear spray.

In the event of physical contact with a bear:

Grizzly bear: Play dead by lying face down, covering your neck and head.

Black bear: Fight back with anything you can use.

FWP recommends:

Storing garbage in certified bear-resistant containers.

Cleaning BBQs thoroughly after use.

Only feed your pets during the day and keep their food indoors.

Use motion-activated lights and sirens as deterrents.

Livestock owners are encouraged to secure feed and protect vulnerable animals like chickens and goats with electric fencing. FWP offers technical assistance and partial reimbursement programs to help with fencing and other deterrents.