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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:
Tips for homeowners/landowners:
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.