HAVRE – On July 22, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued an advisory of a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) at Bear Paw Lake (also known as Second Lake) south of Havre. Bear Paw Lake is located within the FWP Bear Paw Lake Fishing Access Site. Users are suggested to use caution.

These algal blooms are not uncommon in waters across central or eastern Montana as we head into late summer and early fall.

What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)?

According to DEQ, HABs are an overgrowth of a type of algae, known as cyanobacteria, in water that can affect water quality and aquatic life. Some cyanobacteria can create toxins that may harm people and animals. Use caution during a HAB event (or a potential HAB event) as your health can be impacted when you are near the water, consume the water, or swim in the water.

If in doubt, stay out! To learn more or to report a suspected HAB, please go to www.hab.mt.gov or call 1-888-849-2938. You may also report a suspected HAB by email to HAB@mt.gov.