EBS STAFF
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear specialists have confirmed a grizzly bear sighting in the Bangtail Range east of Bozeman, according to a news release from FWP. This is the first time a grizzly bear has been formally documented in the Bangtails since grizzly bear recovery efforts began.
The sighting was confirmed after a trail camera captured images of a single subadult grizzly bear on National Forest land and the area is not far from areas with previously documented grizzly bear presence, including one of similar size seen near the Yellowstone River in Livingston this fall, as well as one observed in the Shields Valley in 2023.
“Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year,” stated the release. “People should be prepared to encounter grizzly bears anywhere in the western two-thirds of the state.”
FWP recommends avoiding bear conflict by carrying bear spray, traveling in groups and making noise, staying away from animal carcasses and following proper food storage practices.
