Spring means its time to start being "bear-aware"

HELENA – As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to head outdoors and bears are leaving their winter dens. 

This time of year, bears are waking up from hibernation and are pretty hungry. So, it’s best for you, and for the bears, not to leave out anything that will attract their appetite or their curiosity.

If you’re outside working or recreating, you need to be aware that bears are out there, too. Anytime bears are not in hibernation, which is typically between the beginning of March and the end of November, is the time to be bear aware, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife information Specialist Danielle Oyler.

“Being bear aware means that you assume bears can be around, even if you don’t see them,” Oyler said. “You shouldn’t leave anything around your home or campsite that will attract a bear.”

These attractants include garbage, bird feeders and pet food. The most common human-bear conflicts involve unsecured food attractants.

Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and can be found anywhere west of Billings, Oyler said.

“Most bears want to avoid contact with people,” Oyler said. “But the best thing to do to avoid an unpleasant encounter with a bear is to assume bears are around and be prepared.”

This includes carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Oyler said to deploy the spray when the bear is about 25 feet away.

“If you feel threatened, stand your ground and use your bear spray,” she said.

Oyler will host a virtual bear aware presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware for login information and for more information on being bear aware. To watch a video on being bear aware, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlXChHaSkUA.

 Here are some general tips to stay bear aware:

- Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.

- Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.

- Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

- Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.

- Don't approach a bear.

 Camping in bear country

- Keep food and anything with a scent out of tents. 

- Dispose of garbage in bear-resistant containers; otherwise, take it with you and dispose of it properly elsewhere. Do not bury or burn garbage. 

- Properly store unattended food and anything else with a scent. Food storage options are:

- Bear boxes 

- Hard-sided vehicles (car, truck, RV). Avoid leaving attractants in vehicles for extended periods of time (backcountry trips) 

- Certified bear-resistant containers 

- Electric fencing 

Biking and running in bear country

- Anyone traveling quickly on trails is at higher risk of surprising a bear. 

- Traveling fast around corners can increase the chance of an encounter. 

- Watch for signs of bear activity and avoid riding in these areas. 

- Avoid being on trails at night or at dusk or dawn. 

- Avoid riding fast on trails that feature seasonal food sources for bears, such as berries. 

- Do not run or ride while intentionally impacting your ability to hear natural noises (i.e. wearing ear buds or headphones). 

- Make noise when line of sight is poor. 

- When possible, ride in groups and stay together. 

- If you encounter a bear, stop, get off your bike, and follow bear encounter recommendations.

- Never try to outrun or outride a bear. 

- Carry bear spray on your person not on your bicycle or backpack.