Be bear aware when recreating outdoors

As winter gives way to spring, recreationists are taking advantage of the warmer weather to get outside. However, this is also the time of year bears are emerging from their dens and conflicts with people tend to increase.

Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded.

As bears begin foraging for food, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking residents to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food. The most common human-bear conflicts involve unsecured food attractants.

People venturing into the outdoors should...