Remove food items to avoid attracting waking bears, FWP says
A female grizzly bear accompanies two cubs in northwest Montana. (Photo courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)
As grizzly and black bears emerge from hibernation and look for food, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds residents to remove food attractants from their properties by April 1.
According to an agency news release, common bear attractants include chickens and livestock, bird feeders and bird seed, deer blocks, garbage, beehives, fruit trees, pet food and barbecue grills.
“Chicken and livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door,” the news release states, also noting that in Montana, it is illegal to intentionally feed deer and other ungulates, mountain lions and bears.
“Feeding animals leads to food conditioning, which increases the chances of a conflict and the removal of that animal,” the news release states.
Any conflicts can be reported to FWP by calling 406-752-5501.