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Community bear education events scheduled this spring in south-central Montana

Mar 21, 2025 1:33 PM

BILLINGS – It is officially spring. In Montana, the return of longer days and warmer weather also brings an increase in outdoor recreation. Humans are not the only species enjoying the weather, as bears emerge from hibernation this time of year and are once again active in most places across Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a series of community events throughout south-central Montana to share important bear safety information with outdoor recreationists, residents, and those visiting the state. Detailed information on each event is below. For more information on bears and bear awareness in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

  • Columbus Bear Education: FWP will present on grizzly and black bears in Stillwater County. The presentation will include biological information on both species and important safety information for those living and exploring in bear country. This presentation is designed for the general public. For more information on this event, visit: stillwatercountylibrary.org/event/trailblazers-bear-safety/.
    • Location: Stillwater County Library, 27 N. 4th St., Columbus
    • Time: Saturday, April 5, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Fromberg Bear Town Hall Meeting: Join FWP staff to discuss techniques to minimize negative bear encounters at home and in the field. Staff will present on the history of bears and human-bear conflicts in the area. This presentation is designed for residents of Fromberg and surrounding communities.
    • Location: Fromberg Schools gymnasium, 319 School Street. Fromberg
    • Time: Tuesday, April 8, 6 – 8p.m.
  • Absarokee Bear Town Hall Meeting: Join FWP staff to discuss techniques to minimize negative bear encounters at home and in the field. Staff will present on the history of bears and human-bear conflicts in the area. This presentation is designed for residents of Absarokee and surrounding communities.
    • Location: Cobblestone School Great Room, 203 S. Woodard Ave., Absarokee
    • Time: Tuesday, April 15, 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Bear Education at ZooMontana’s Party for the Planet: Join FWP staff at this ZooMontana event to learn about bear safety and awareness while recreating outdoors. Staff will also lead inert bear spray demonstrations. The FWP booth will be near the grizzly bear exhibit at ZooMontana, where grizzly bears George and Willy will explore a campsite inside of their enclosure. This information is designed for the general public, tourists and outdoor recreationists. For more info on this event, visit: zoomontana.org/party-for-the-planet.
    • Location: ZooMontana grizzly bear exhibit, 2100 S. Shiloh Road, Billings
    • Time: Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Red Lodge Ales Bear Awareness Pint Night: Join FWP staff to learn about bear safety for outdoor recreation and participate in inert bear spray training. Staff will also be on hand to discuss bear safety practices for homeowners in the area. This presentation is designed for the general public, tourists, outdoor recreationists and residents.
    • Location: Red Lodge Ales, 1445 N. Broadway, Red Lodge
    • Time: Wednesday, May 14, 5 – 8 p.m.