Mountain lion.
Encountering Lions and Bears
There isn’t much concern about tigers in Montana, but spring is the right time to give some thought to encounters with mountain lions and bears.
Montana’s black and grizzly bears are beginning to wake after a long winter’s snooze and they are going to be out and about looking for food. Mountain lions, hampered this winter by deep snows in the high country, are undoubtedly as ready to explore the forests as we are.
In preparing for the first hike of the year or planning a spring jog on a country road, take the time to mentally prepare for a possible sighting of a bear or lion. Here are some reminders.
Recreating In Bear and Mountain Lion Country
- Inquire about recent bear and lion activity in the area.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- 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.
- 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.
