Montana has dedicated staff who respond to bear conflicts and collaborate with the public to prevent conflicts.

Report conflicts to one of the nearest FWP bear management specialists listed below. 

Seeing a bear is not necessarily a reportable encounter or an emergency. Report encounters where the bear displayed aggressive or defensive behavior toward people, livestock or pets, or damaged property.

• In an emergency, phone 9-1-1

• For livestock conflicts, contact USDA Wildlife Services

Grizzly bears are a federally protected species and conflict response is primarily conducted by state wildlife agencies, tribes, and USDA Wildlife Services under the authority of the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

It is illegal to harm, harass, or kill grizzly bears, except in cases of self defense or the defense of others.

• USFWS Conflict Response Protocols (PDF)

• USFWS Hazing Guidelines for Landowners and Livestock Producers (PDF)

FWP Wildlife Management Specialists