Grizzly bears exist in low densities outside of their established range, but there is a chance of encountering a grizzly bear anywhere in western Montana.
How common are grizzlies in Montana?
Northwest Montana has the largest concentration of grizzlies in the Lower 48 states, with more than 1,000 bears across Glacier National Park and nearby expanses of forested wilderness, an area known as the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
What part of Montana has grizzly bears?
Grizzly bears have moved back into their former range the high plains as far as 175 miles east of the mountains (Loma, Montana). USFWS biologists say there could be as may be as many as 70 – 80 grizzly bears in the high plains. Grizzly bears are also extending their range down the mountains towards Missoula, Montana.
How many grizzly bears are in MT?
Montana has an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 brown bears. Most bears in the state are part of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. Montana’s Fish and Game Department says the state has been at the forefront of grizzly bear protection and recovery.
What parts of Montana have bears?
Montana is prime bear country. The area along the Continental Divide that includes Glacier National Park has seen 11 fatal bear attacks in the last 50 years.
Are grizzly bears a problem in Montana?
KALISPELL — Grizzly bears are repopulating areas of Montana that haven’t seen them for decades, creating more conflict between livestock, people and bears. Some ranchers are learning they need to do something that doesn’t come naturally — change how they live on the land.
What to do if you encounter a grizzly bear?
Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
Should I worry about bears in Glacier National Park?
On average, there are only one or two non-lethal bear “incidents” in a given year. And, there have only been 10 bear related fatalities in the history of the park (all of those have occurred since 1967). Only three of those fatalities involved hikers, and at least two of those were solo hikers.
How common are bear attacks in Glacier National Park?
Although there is a significant bear population in Glacier National Park, bear attacks are very rare and only two have been fatal in the past thirty years! Both incidents occurred when a lone hiker stumbled upon a mother and two cubs. All that to say, keeping distance is vital, and hiking within groups is always safer.
Are there mountain lions in Montana?
Montana’s mountain lion habitat is distributed primarily in the western and central portions of the state though mountain lions have apparently also begun to return to areas in the east. Mountain lions prefer habitats with brushy understory to open habitat.
Which US state has the most bears?
Alaska: 100,000
Alaska is bear country and one of the few places in the world where all three species of North American bears live. With 100,000 black bears, Alaska has one of the largest black bear populations in the country.
How common are bears in Montana?
Montana has been at the forefront of grizzly bear management and conservation dating back more than a century. Today, Montana has the largest remaining grizzly bear population in the United States, with the exception of Alaska.
Where is the highest population of grizzly bears?
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population is the largest it has ever been. It’s estimated that almost 1,070 grizzly bears are in northwest Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho. That number is much higher than the previous estimates which put the grizzly’s population estimate at around 750 bears.
Are there grizzly bears in Bozeman MT?
Bears prepping to hibernate lead to more sightings in Bozeman, increase risk of encounters. Arguably, a large part of Montana’s beauty is the animals that have inhabited the land for hundreds of years, including black bears and grizzly bears.
Where are bear attacks most common?
Alaska is the US state with the most bear attacks.
The most updated bear attacks in Alaska statistics reveal that Alaska accounts for 29.6% of all fatal bear attacks in the US. Alaska is one of the few places in the country that has all three species of North American bears living in it: Black Bears. Grizzly Bears.
How can we avoid bears in Yellowstone?
Avoid running, making loud noises like screaming, or making gestures the bear may identify as a threat. Calmly walk in the opposite direction, giving the bear plenty of space if it wants to run off. Most bear attacks are defensive in nature, so they can often be avoided by taking a calm approach.
What to do if I see a bear in Montana?
If a bear follows you, or slowly, purposefully or methodically approaches you:
- Stand your ground.
- Get aggressive: wave your arms and shout vigorously.
- Get spray out and ready.
- Fight back if it makes contact.
How many bear attacks happen in Yellowstone?
There is an average of one bear attack per year in Yellowstone.
How aggressive is a grizzly bear?
Grizzly bears are among the most lethal creatures seen in the wild. They not only have superhuman physical strength, but they also have a powerful biting force (1,000 psi) that can split your body in half in a matter of seconds. They will not attack unless they are provoked or caught off guard.
How do you tell if a bear is stalking you?
Bears may yawn or clack their teeth, and pound their front paws on the ground while huffing—these are warning signs. These behaviors indicate that a bear is stressed, and it may be getting ready to charge.
What will scare bears away?
If a bear comes close to your home, scare it away. Loud noises like a firm yell, clapping your hands, banging on pots and pans or blowing an air horn sends most bears running. Utilize electric fencing, unwelcome mats and scent deterrents like ammonia to teach bears that your property is not bear-friendly.