July 4th Holiday Weekend Increases Recreation In Bear And Mountain Lion Country

Print

Many Montanans and visitors to the state are planning to celebrate the July 4 weekend outdoors fishing, camping and hiking. In most areas of the state, that means they will be sharing space with the state’s mountain lions and bears.

Montana’s black and grizzly bears spend the summer months raising young and building up essential fat stores. Black bears are widely distributed across western and central Montana, while grizzly bears are more restricted to the western part of the state. This time of year bears may be found both at high altitudes and in the bottomlands along streams.

Most of Montana offers good mountain lion habitat. And while human/lion encounters are rare, lions may be seen in urban fringe areas and picnic grounds, or on mountain ridges and forest hiking trails.

Mentally preparing for a possible sighting of a bear or lion is a good step in planning any outdoor recreation this July 4 th .   Here are some useful tips.

Recreating In Bear And Mountain Lion Country *  Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

* Inquire about recent bear and lion activity in an area.

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

* Stay on trails or rural roads.

* Be aware and watch for signs of wildlife such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks.

* Keep children close.

* Keep your dog on a leash.

* Make sure your presence is known by carrying a bell and talking when near streams or in thick forest where visibility is low.

* Avoid approaching a bear or lion, respect their space and move off.

Encountering a Bear Or Mountain Lion

* Do not run from a bear or lion. Running may trigger an attack. Bears and lions are fast and move up and down hill easily.

* Carry and know how to use bear pepper spray.

* Immediately pick up small children and stay in a group.

* Move away from the bear or lion if it is possible to do so.

* If a lion attacks, fight back aggressively, using your fists or anything else available.

* If a black bear approaches, try to scare it away by shouting or making noise.

* If a black or grizzly bear attacks at night while you’re in a tent, fight back aggressively with sticks or stones.

* If a grizzly bear attacks during the day, most experts recommend playing dead by curling up in a ball face down. Use your hands and arms to protect the back of your neck and face, and keep your pack on for added protection. Do not move or make noise until you are sure the bear has left the area.

For more on “Living With Wildlife,” check the FWP web site under Wild Things.