How To Stay Safe During Bear Encounters In Montana

Bear encounters in Montana have grown in the past few years, with new reports of them popping up seemingly on a weekly basis as the weather warms.

To help keep people informed and safe, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will host a bear safety workshop at The Base Camp in Billings on Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but will be specifically geared toward those looking to enjoy the great outdoors in bear country.

Topics of discussion, which will be led by FWP staff, will cover bear biology, safety practices while outdoors, and how to prevent and handle bear encounters.

Those who attend the meeting will also have a chance to practice using inert bear spray and will be able to enter a drawing to win a canister of their own.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service released precautionary steps to be "Bear Aware".

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How To Be Bear Aware

Never approach bears, always remain at least 300 feet away, or about the length of a football field
Practice ethical wildlife viewing by remaining a safe distance and never disturbing natural behaviors
Never feed, leave food for, or make food accessible to bears
Store food, garbage, barbecue grills, and other attractants in locked hard-sided vehicles or bear-resistant storage boxes
Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make sure it is accessible
Hike or ski in groups of three or more, stay on maintained trails and make noise
Avoid hiking at dusk, dawn, or at night
Do not run if you encounter a bear
Instead of traditional bird feeders, set up birdhouses or birdbaths, plant native flowers, or set up hanging flower baskets for hummingbirds
Keep chickens and other small livestock properly secured using electric fencing or keep them inside a closed shed with a door
Report bear sightings, encounters, and conflicts immediately to your state or tribal wildlife management agency