EBS STAFF
Gov. Greg Gianforte recently signed a proclamation to make September “Bear Aware Month” in Montana, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has scheduled a series of events to spread education and awareness throughout the month.
The proclamation states its purpose is “to encourage Montanans and visitors to live and recreate safely in bear country,” and noted that “avoiding conflict with grizzly bears is a vital part of managing bears in Montana.”
In light of the Governor’s proclamation, FWP announced it will host educational events and opportunities “featuring activities, prizes and giveaways, including bear spray and other fun items,” according to a Sept. 3 press release.
The most recent event took place on Sept. 3 with a bear aware presentation at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman. Remaining events are featured on FWP’s schedule, in locations across the state including Billings, Helena, and Missoula.
“Grizzly bear populations and distribution continue to increase across Montana,” the release stated. “In many places, these increases are happening in areas where the human population is increasing. It’s more important than ever to be bear aware. Bears also become more active in late summer and fall as they spend more time eating in preparation for hibernation. This increased activity often puts them in close proximity to hunters, homeowners, agriculture operations, and communities.
The release added that it’s easier to avoid conflict than to deal with conflict, and shared a four-minute video telling the story of a bow hunter’s survival during a 2018 encounter.
To avoid negative encounters, FWP recommends the following: carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately; travel through bear habitat in groups making casual noise; avoid animal carcasses which attract bears; follow food storage orders and secure garbage, bird feeders and pet food in a secure building; and never feed or approach bears, but leave the area when safe.
More information on avoiding negative conflict with bears can be found at FWP’s website.
