It's time to be more aware of bears

As warmer weather and longer days lure grizzlies and black bears out of their dens, state wildlife officials are asking people to remove outdoor attractants and remember to carry pepper spray when out in bear country.

That includes taking down bird feeders, securing garbage indoors or in bearproof containers, keeping pet food inside, cleaning up chicken and livestock feed and removing strong-smelling substances that can attract bears.

Residents can also protect their chickens, beehives and livestock by properly installing and maintaining electric fencing.

According to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, a 3-year-old male grizzly bear was captured northwest of Columbia Falls after killing chickens at a private residence.

Tim Manley, a grizzly specialist with the agency, anesthetized, radio-collared and released the 211-pound grizzly on Monday in the North Fork’s Whale Creek drainage.

The release stated that black bear activity has picked up as well, with a pair of problematic bears reported earlier in the week.

On Monday morning, a radio tracking flight located eight radio-collared grizzly bears in the Swan and Mission mountains. Seven had emerged from their dens but remained in upper-elevation areas.

Wildlife officials observed a total of 16 grizzlies, including cubs, yearlings and 2-year-olds with their mothers.

Additional flights this month will survey bear activity in the Whitefish Range and the Middle Fork, in part to track reproduction rates and cub survival throughout the year.

For more information on how to prepare for bear season, visit fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife/beBearAware.