Plan to visit Big Pine Fishing Access Site (FAS) near Alberton this Saturday, July 14 to learn more about bears. The evening campfire program begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to audiences of all ages.

Dr. Charles Jonkel of the Missoula-based Great Bear Foundation will discuss bear identification, give tips on how to live and travel safely in bear country and share some interesting facts about Montana’s bears. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a fireside s’more treat while you listen to the program.

To reach Big Pine FAS, take I90 Exit 66 and then head south to Fish Creek Road. Follow the signs to Big Pine, approximately 4.5 miles from the exit. Visitors should park in the lot to the left when entering the campground.

More programs are planned for later this summer including a hands-on wildlife safari for kids on Saturday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. and a Saturday, Aug. 18 program on wildlife that begins at 7 p.m.

Big Pine FAS offers day use access and overnight camping spots. Volunteer coordinator for these evening programs, Valerie Bayer, says that these events are a great way to cap off a day of fishing or picnicking or a fun way to enhance a camping trip. For more information, contact Bayer, at 406-722-1533 or FWP at 406-542-5500.