'Bear aware' season is in full swing

With the onset of spring comes an uptick in wildlife activity in northwest Montana.

While enjoying the return of robins and ospreys, Lincoln County recreationists should not forget to remain “bear aware” as grizzly and black bears emerge from their dens. In a March 16 press release, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks outlined precautionary steps that outdoor enthusiasts should take in bear country.

Recreationists should carry and know how to use bear spray. Hikers should travel in groups on trails or rural roads and plan to be out in daylight hours whenever possible. Concentrations of scavenging animals and carcass sites should be avoided.

Bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks and partially consumed carcasses can alert recreationists to the presence of a bear. Hikers should keep children and pets close, and make noise, especially near streams or in dense forests where hearing and visibility are reduced. FWP officials note that being loud can be key to avoiding bear encounters; most bears will avoid signs of human presence.

Recreationists should never approach a bear.

Campers in bear country should keep away from areas with grizzly signs. Tents and sleeping bags should remain free of food.

When planning an overnight trip, recreationists should contact the applicable land management agency to learn about what food storage rules apply in the area.

Generally, all food, trash and other odorous items should be hung away from camps at least 10 feet above ground and four feet from any vertical support. Campers can also use bear-proof containers for storage. Livestock feed is a bear attractant.

While out fishing, anglers should not leave entrails on the shorelines of lakes and streams in bear country. Entrails can be sunk in deep water to keep from attracting bears.

In the press release, FWP officials asked residents to begin removing or securing food attractants including garbage, bird feeders and pet food.

Contact between humans and bears resulted in a couple attacks last year including a mauling along a gated road north of Whitefish in October, according to Tim Manley, grizzly bear management specialist with FWP.

During a Nov. 23 subcommittee meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, Manley reported that FWP Region 1, which covers northwest Montana, received 200 bear conflicts reports in 2020.