LIVING WITH WILDLIFE

Living in Montana is a privilege that comes with certain responsibilities. These responsibilities are probably everyday occurrences to most folks who grew up here, but may be foreign to new residents and visitors. One such responsibility is living and recreating with the wildlife that share the landscape. 

Montana is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Our bears are most active between March through October. You can prevent conflicts between bears and people by removing or securing common bear attractants such as food, trash, coolers, and grills. In Big Sky, bear conflicts have tripled in the last 20 years. 

To report a bear conflict, or emergency situation

Immediately call (in this order):
1. 911
2. Region 3, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 406-994-4042 or 1-800-TIP-MONT

To report a bear sighting or non-emergency situation

Fill out the form below. Reports will be forwarded to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Wildlife Management Specialist

Bear conflicts and emergency situations include:
– a bear is charging you
– a bear is in your home
– you or someone in your party has been injured
– a bear has been injured
– a bear has caused property damage
– a bear is still present and has not left the area

Safe Recreation
While hiking or biking
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
  • Travel in groups of 3 or more and stay together
  • Make sure everyone in your group has bear spray
  • Carry bear spray in an accessible location (hip or chest holster) and know how to use it
  • Stay alert
  • Keep children and pets close and within sight at all times
  • Make noise to avoid surprising a bear 
While camping
  • Do not store food in your tent
  • Cook 100 yards from your tent
  • Clean cooking area thoroughly
  • Don’t sleep in clothes you cooked in
  • Store food, trash, lotions, toothpaste, and deodorant in a hard sided vehicle or bear-proof container

Safe Home
Garbage (trash is the number 1 attractant)
  • Use bear-resistant dumpsters or garbage cans
    • Call Republic Services
    • Call L&L Site Services
  • Do not overfill the can, secure the lid, and call for repairs
  • Store garbage cans in outbuilding or garage and keep doors closed
  • Take to curb on the morning of pickup 
Bird Seed
  • Only use bird feeders from November through February when bears are in their dens
  • Store seed and feeders indoors 
Grills
  • Burn off food residue for 10 minutes
  • Store grill inside when not in use
  • If you have bear conflicts stop grilling until bear moves on
  • Dispose of food wrappers and grease cups 
Pet Food
  • Store pet food inside
  • If you feed your pets outside remove leftover food and clean dishes daily 

Wildlife Encounters

On the trails:
  • do not approach the bear
  • slowly back away keep a distance of at least 100 yards
  • get your bear spray in hand and prepare to use it if the bear charges
  • do not run or climb a tree
  • give the bear a clear escape route
  • do not make eye contact
  • stay in a group
  • remain calm
In building, dumpster, or around the corner:
  • Give the bear a clear escape route (do not corner it)
  • Leave any doors open as you back away from the bear
  • Do not lock the bear in a room
​In your backyard:
  • From a safe distance, make loud noises by shouting or banging pots and pans together to scare bear
  • When the ear leaves, remove potential attractants such as garage, bird see, or pet food
  • Ask neighbors to remove attractants 

Know Your Bears

​Telling a grizzly bear from a black bear can be a challenge because many physical indicators vary with sex and age, and size is also not a reliable indicator. Bear identification is important for your safety and to protect bears. When you know whether you are dealing with a grizzly or a black bear, you know something about the most appropriate actions to take.With a little knowledge you can keep a bear encounter from becoming a conflict. Though there are general precautions to take when dealing with a bear there are some significant differences in how to handle an encounter with grizzlies and black bears.
Black Bear
A black bear Approaches You
  • Make noise
  • Appear bigger by raising your arms
  • Have your bear spray in hand and ready
A black bear Charges
  • Stand your ground
  • Have pepper spray ready and deploy it
A black bear attacks
  • Use your bear pepper spray
  • Fight back
Grizzly Bear
A grizzly – Approaches you
  • Speak quietly
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Back away
  • Have your bear spray in hand and ready
A grizzly charges you
  • Remain Standing
  • Throw something to distract it
  • Use your bear pepper spray
A grizzly bear attacks
  • Use your pepper spray
  • Experts recommend lay flat on your stomach or curl in a ball
  • Cover your neck and head with your hands
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Keep backpacks on as added protection between you and the bear
​Bear spray is the most effective means of repelling an attacking grizzly or black bear in a non-toxic, non-lethal manner. Bear spray is a good last line of defense, but it is not a substitute for following appropriate safety techniques. The best way to prevent an unpleasant bear encounter is to avoid them all together.