May 8, 2024
REGION-WIDE
Grizzly Bear: FWP is receiving reports of grizzly bear activity throughout the Clearwater and Blackfoot Drainages. Grizzly bears are common throughout this area. A grizzly, and grizzly tracks, have been reported on multiple occasions in the Ninemile Drainage west of Missoula. Tracks have also been reported in the northern portion of the Sapphire Mountain Range along the east side of the Bitterroot Valley. Tracks and observations have also been fielded by FWP from the upper reaches of the Clark Fork Basin in the Tri Counties and the Big Hole areas. Grizzlies are slowly expanding into historic ranges.
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 keep garbage contained until the morning of garbage pickup. Bear-resistant garbage cans are available through Grizzly Disposal and Republic Services.
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.
Missoula Bear Buffer Zone: Note, all garbage must be stored in a bear-resistant manner within the new Missoula Bear Buffer Zone. Be aware, that with the new garbage ordinance going into effect, Missoula residents in the Phase 1 portions of the buffer zone, may be seeing an influx of bear activity. Individual bears may escalate their attempts to access garbage. Please let FWP know immediately if bears break into any sheds, building, for homes. After years of accessing uncontained garbage, certain bears will be showing extreme behaviors, associated with food-conditioning, and will have to be removed. For information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance see the Missoula Bears Community Resources page.
While hiking and working in bear country carry bear spray. Electric fence is an excellent method of containing attractants, fruit trees, and small livestock. For more information on electric fence see the Missoula Bears Community Resources page.
BITTERROOT
Black Bear: A black bear has been accessing bird feeders in the Bass Creek area. FWP is expecting an increase in calls of black bears getting into garbage and of bears on porches the next couple of weeks. Please take down bird feeders and contain all attractants in a bear-resistant manner. Bear-resistant garbage cans are available through Bitterroot Disposal. For more information on bears in the Bitterroot Valley check out this link: Bitterroot Bears – Missoula Bears
BLACKFOOT-CLEARWATER
Black Bear: A black bear is getting into garbage in Seeley Lake and accessing bird feeders. A dog was killed by a black bear female with cubs when the dog attempted to enter the den. The owner of the dog was able to retrieve the dog and the bear left the den site. A black bear got into garbage in Lincoln. Please take down all bird feeders and contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner.
Grizzly Bear: There have been reports of grizzly bears in the vicinity of Seeley Lake and there was a report of a grizzly feeding on a dead horse in Lincoln MT. Please contain all garbage and remove bird feeders. If you have a horse or cow carcass that needs to be removed in the Blackfoot Drainage, contact the Blackfoot Challenge. For information on the Blackfoot Challenges Carcass Pickup Program check out this site: https://blackfootchallenge.org/carcass-pickup/
EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN, BONNER
Black Bear: A black bear got into garbage at several residents, a black bear broke into a garage, a black bear was killed by a vehicle and there have been multiple black bears photographed on game cameras in the Bonner area. A black bear was reported in a back yard feeding on food scraps left out for deer in East Missoula. It is illegal to feed or salt for wildlife in Montana. Please, contain all garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup and remove all bird feeders.
GRANT CREEK
Black Bear: Black bears have been accessing bird seed in the upper reaches of Grant Creek. Please keep all garbage contained in a bear-resistant manner and take down all bird feeders.
LOLO
Black Bear: FWP is monitoring a black bear that has been up on porches in upper Lolo Creek. Please take down bird feeders and contain all other attractants.
MAXVILLE
Black Bear: A starving yearling black bear was reported to FWP. The bear was captured by FWP and taken to the Helena Black Bear Rehab Center. Due to poor condition and underlying medical issue the bear was put down.
MISSOULA
Black Bear: Black bears are getting into garbage in the Rattlesnake Drainage and in the South Hills. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup. FWP has set traps for a family group of black bears in the Rattlesnake Drainage that have been approaching people, accessing business district dumpsters, and entering homeless camps for garbage. FWP is also targeting a lone black bear that has broken into two homes and attempted entry of other homes. Please let FWP know immediately if a bear break into any sheds or buildings.
NINEMILE
Black Bear: A black bear killed three goats and wounded one goat in the upper Ninemile Drainage. Wildlife Services assisted the homeowner with an electric fence. Traps were set but no bear was captured. A black bear broke into a vehicle in the lower Ninemile Drainage. Traps were set by FWP, and a non-target black bear was captured and relocated a short distance. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner and take down bird feeders.
POTOMAC
Mountain Lion: Three lions were removed by Wildlife Services this spring in the Potomac area after depredating on small livestock. FWP recommends electric fence for anyone raising chickens, fowl, or other small livestock.
TURAH AND CLINTON
Black Bear: Multiple black bears are getting into garbage, bird seed and chicken coops in the Donovan Creek Area. FWP is working with homeowners to contain garbage and electrify chicken coops. 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: A black bear with two yearling accessed garbage at several businesses and apartment complexes in the University Business District. FWP is working with residences, businesses, and the University to contain garbage in the area.
