May 31, 2023
REGION-WIDE
Black Bear: Activity is increasing throughout Region 2. Black bears are finding uncontained garbage, bird feeders, and other attractants. Please contain all attractants in a bear-resistant manner and remove all bird feeders. Do not leave your garage doors open and unattended and keep garbage contained until the morning of pickup.
For information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance see our Community Resources page.
Mountain Lion: FWP is continuing to receive reports of mountain lion activity throughout the region. It is normal for increased sightings at this time of the year as the mountain lion follow deer and elk as they move down for the spring green-up.
BITTERROOT
Black Bear: Activity is increasing in the Bitterroot Valley with increased calls of black bears getting into garbage and of bears on porches. Contain all attractants in a bear-resistant manner.
BLACKFOOT-CLEARWATER
Black Bear: Black bears are getting into garbage in the Potomac Valley and accessing bird feeders in Clearwater Junction. Please take down all bird feeders and contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner. There was also a report of a black bear struck by a vehicle in the Twin Creek area of the Blackfoot.
Grizzly Bear: There have been reports of grizzly bears in the area.
BIG FLAT
Black Bear: Black bears are getting into garbage in the area. Contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup.
EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN, BONNER
Black Bear: There are at least two black bears getting into garbage in the area. Contain all garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup and remove all bird feeders.
EVARO
Black Bear: There was a vehicle-bear mortality on Evaro Hill.
FRENCHTOWN
Black Bear: There have been reports of bears in garbage, and one incident of a bear entering a house in Frenchtown. FWP is monitoring the situation.
GRANT CREEK
Black Bear: There is a female with cubs feeding along the creek in the Lower Grant Creek area. Please keep all garbage contained in a bear-resistant manner and take down all bird feeders.
NINEMILE
Black Bear: There are reports of black bears getting into garbage in the area. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner and take down bird feeders.
OVANDO
Grizzly Bear: There was a confirmed calf depredation by a grizzly bear.
PATTEE CANYON
Black Bear: Black bears are accessing garbage and bird feeders in the Pattee Canyon area. There have also been sightings of bears on porches. Please take down bird feeders and contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup.
RATTLESNAKE
Black Bear: There are individual black bears throughout the Rattlesnake that are getting into garbage. Please contain all attractants in a bear-resistant manner. FWP is working with residences and businesses in the Lower Rattlesnake area in an effort to contain garbage.
A sub-adult black bear was trapped and euthanized in the Lower Rattlesnake after exhibiting extreme behavior. This bear entered multiple homes and was getting into a lot of uncontained garbage.
A very emaciated sub-adult black bear was euthanized. This bear was in the Rattlesnake Recreation Area and FWP is investigating the cause of illness.
ST. REGIS
Black Bear: A black bear is finding a lot of uncontained garbage and bird feeders in the area. FWP is asking that people in the area please take down bird feeders and contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner.
TURAH AND CLINTON
Black Bear: There are several bears getting into garbage in the area. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner and do not put out until the morning of pickup. Take down bird feeders and contain all other attractants.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Black Bear: Over the Memorial Day weekend, a sub-adult black bear showed up all over the UM campus testing dorm windows, approaching people, and getting into a lot of uncontained garbage. FWP euthanized this bear. FWP is working with residences, businesses, and the University in an effort to contain garbage in the area.
May 3, 2023
REGION-WIDE
Grizzly Bear: As it greens up, most grizzly bears should be out of their dens. There have been multiple reports of grizzly bear activity in Blackfoot and Clearwater.
Mountain Lion: There continue to be reports of mountain lion activity across Region 2. This is not unusual as mountain lions follow their prey as the deer and elk move down for the spring green-up.
ALBERTON/PETTY CREEK
Black Bear: Multiple reports of black bear activity. A black bear was killed by a landowner when it got into a chicken coop. FWP is working with the landowner to get the coop electrified.
DONOVAN CREEK
Black Bear: Reports of black bears getting into bird feeders. Please bring bird feeders in and contain all attractants.
EVARO
Black Bear: Multiple reports of black bears in and around the area. Please contain all attractants.
FRENCHTOWN
Black Bear: Multiple reports of black bears in and around the area. Please contain all attractants.
GARRISON JUNCTION AREA
Grizzly Bear: A grizzly bear was verified in the area.
LINCOLN
Grizzly Bear: A family group of grizzly bears got into uncontained garbage. FWP is monitoring.
MILLTOWN/BONNER/TURAH
Black Bear: Multiple reports of black bears in and around the area. Please contain all attractants.
MISSOULA
Black Bear: MFWP is working with the city of Missoula on outreach and education for homeless camps that have attracted black bear activity this spring. There have been two incidents of bears getting into tents for food.
NINEMILE
Black Bear: Multiple reports of black bears in and around the area. Please contain all attractants.
PRICKLY PEAR/CANYON CREEK
Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear tracks were verified in the area.
RATTLESNAKE
Black Bear: A black bear is getting into garbage and other attractants in the lower Rattlesnake and the nearby business district. FWP is actively trapping for this bear. In the Upper Rattlesnake, several bears are active and have gotten into unsecured garbage. Animal control is issuing tickets for people leaving garbage out and available to bears within the bear buffer zone.
UPPER BLACKFOOT
Grizzly Bear: Three depredations were reported in three separate areas. Wildlife Services is monitoring the situation.
