Bears are Waking Up, Time to be Bear Aware
Press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to get out and enjoy the weather – people and bears alike.
This time of year, bears are waking up from hibernation and beginning to look for food. It’s time to ensure that people are securing attractants to avoid conflicts with bears and being prepared to encounter bears when they are out recreating.
“Being bear aware means that you assume bears are around, even if you don’t see them,” Oyler said. “You shouldn’t leave anything around your home or campsite that will attract a bear.”
Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and can be found anywhere west of Billings, Oyler said.
“Most bears want to avoid contact with people,” Oyler said. “But the best thing to do to avoid an unpleasant encounter is to be loud and give them warning long before you see a bear and know what to do if you have an encounter.”
Some of the first people to hit the woods as the snow melts are shed hunters who are looking for antlers dropped by elk, deer or moose. Often bears are searching for a meal too and can key in on new green growth or winter-killed animals at the snow line, putting them in close proximity to antler hunters.
If you’re heading out make sure to follow some general tips:
Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it.
Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
Don't approach a bear.
Bear aware event
Oyler will host a virtual bear aware presentation on April 1, at 6:00 p.m. Visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware for login information and for more information on being bear aware. To watch a video on being bear aware, click here. FWP’s website is a great resource for information on living and recreating in bear country.
Reminders for shed hunters
With warmer temperatures and snow quickly disappearing, shed-antler hunters are anxious to get into the field. Buck deer and bull elk and moose grow antlers each year, some to magnificent size, which drop off to regrow each spring. Hunting for and collecting these "shed" antlers in spring has become a popular activity.
Many of Montana’s wildlife management areas (WMAs) provide security to wildlife during the winter. However, shed hunters need to be aware that Montana’s big game winter range WMAs are closed to public use after hunting season and do not reopen until springtime. Many WMAs open at noon on May 15.
Most block management areas (BMAs) are closed this time of year. Access to BMAs for any activity outside of the commission-approved hunting season requires landowner permission, including shed hunting.
Additionally, collecting antler sheds or other natural objects is also prohibited in Montana State Parks.
To learn more about Montana’s WMAs — and to confirm specific opening dates — the Wildlife Management Area page on FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.