Bears in Montana

How to Safely Adventure in Bear Country and Learn about Bears in Montana

Adventuring in Montana has its pros and cons, especially since every outdoor excursion means you’re inevitably in bear country. Naturally, bears are fearful of humans, but overtime, they have become more accustomed to campers, hikers, homes, vehicles, and the risk of interaction increases. It is crucial to understand the habits of bears in Montana for safe adventures.

Grizzly Bears vs. Black Bears

While bears are distributed throughout Montana and Wyoming, I am writing this with Glacier National Park in mind, as living there brings many encounters with these creatures.

You’re probably thinking – Why is it important to know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears?

There are several reasons for this:

1. Safety – Grizzly bears tend to be more aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or you encounter a mother bear and her cubs. Black bears, although just as dangerous, have always (to me) appeared to be more skittish. I’m less afraid of black bears.
2. Conservations – Each species has different habitat needs, diets, and conservation statuses.
3. Public Awareness – As bears become more accustomed to human-bear interactions, it is important to foster the respect for wildlife and encourage safe practices among hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Recreation – Knowing the differences between grizzlies and black bears will help you make informed choices about engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or exploring.
5. Legal – In most areas, there are specific regulations regarding hunting and bear safety protocols in places like Montana, where bear sightings are common.

Bear Safety 101

• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings. Look for signs of bears, such as tracks, droppings, or diggings, especially when you’re in areas with many bears in Montana.
• Make Noise: Talk, clap, or use bear bells to avoid surprising bears. This is especially important when hiking in dense areas. If there are a lot of hikers around you, you don’t necessarily need to clap and make excessive noise. Talking is just fine. 🙂
• Travel in Groups: Hike with others whenever possible. Bears are less likely to approach larger groups.
• Keep Food Secure: Store food in bear-proof containers or hang it at least 10-12 feet off the ground and 4-6 feet from the trunk of a tree.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, and use designated bear-proof trash cans when available.
• Avoid Attractants: Do not leave food, toiletries, or anything with a strong scent in your tent or campsite.
• Know Bear Behavior: Learn the difference between black bears and grizzly bears, as their behaviors can vary.
• If You See a Bear: Stay calm, back away slowly, and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• In Case of an Encounter: If a bear approaches, stand your ground, speak firmly, slowly walk backwards to give space, and use bear spray if necessary.
• Report Sightings: Notify Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks if you see a bear CONSISTENLY near populated areas being disruptive. Unfortunately, bears in Montana are becoming more accustomed to finding their food sources in people’s yards (chickens, pigs, fruit trees). As exciting as it is to see this in your own backyard, it is detrimental to the bear’s health, as they become more dependent on those easy food sources, and less adept to hunting and grazing in the wild.

Happy Travels!

Planning a trip to Montana? Visit Big Sky Explorer for more information!