Bear activity picks up in Montana, bear aware habits can prevent conflict

With the onset of spring weather, both species of Montana bears are active.

Much of Montana has both black and grizzly bears, with grizzlies showing up further and further east each year. Recently, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed a grizzly bear sighting in the Bear Paw Mountains east of Big Sandy.

"Though not common, grizzly bear sightings around central Montana have increased over the years," said FWP Region 6 Supervisor Drew Henry. "This emphasizes the need to practice bear aware behavior."

FWP has recently worked to increase grizzly bear awareness in northcentral Montana, including...