Hunters, Campers And Anglers Urged To Be Bear Aware

Print

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks bear specialists say that campers, hikers and anglers need to be bear aware this summer. Grizzly bears are gradually expanding into new areas, and Montana’s black bear population is thriving.

FWP wildlife managers say when bears associate food with people they quickly become bolder and more dangerous, but by nature a bear will try to avoid humans. A bear hanging around a camp or residence or raiding garbage, orchards or gardens should be reported to FWP for observation.

Here are some reminders for hikers, campers and anglers:

Hikers:

· Don’t travel alone in known grizzly habitat or nearby areas.

· Make noise by talking, singing or wearing a bell so a bear can act on its natural instinct to avoid people.

· Be especially alert near berry patches and avoid areas with evidence of bears such as bear tracks, droppings, digging, freshly opened tree stumps and partly consumed animal carcasses.

Campers:

· Camp away from trails and areas with obvious grizzly sign or known grizzly sightings.

· Keep a clean camp and avoid cooking smelly foods.

· Hang all food, trash and other items at least 10 feet above ground and four feet from any vertical support.

· Livestock feed should be stored in the same way as human food, or in a bear-proof container.

· Keep tents and sleeping bags free of odors and, if possible, don’t sleep in the same clothes worn when cooking.

Anglers:

· Avoid leaving fish entrails on shorelines of lakes and streams.

· Fish with a partner or make sure someone else knows where you will be fishing.

?          Whenever possible avoid heavy brush along stream sides that could provide cover for a   traveling bear or make it difficult for a bear to see or hear you.

?          After catching fish, return to camp or the car to store the fish in a cooler, reducing the chance of a bear being attracted to the smell of dead fish.

It may be useful to visualize what you would do if you encounter a bear to be mentally prepared. Also, bear pepper spray has been effective in warding off charging bears. Have it available and know how to use it.