About Missoula Bears

Reduce human-bear and human-wildlife conflicts through education and community engagement. Missoula Bears serves as an informational and educational resource for the Missoula area and the surrounding areas that make up Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 2. This includes the Lower Clark Fork, the Upper Clark Fork, the Upper Blackfoot, and the Bitterroot.

Our Approach

Education

We believe that informed and supported communities are better equipped to coexist with bears. We provide educational resources and information to increase awareness about bear behavior, safety guidelines, and responsible attractant management practices.

Advocacy

We advocate for responsible attractant management policies and regulations that prioritize the safety of both humans and bears. We work with local and state agencies to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for reducing human-bear conflicts and improving attractant management practices.

Collaboration

We foster partnerships among local government agencies, wildlife biologists, conservation organizations, business owners, and community members to work together towards minimizing human-bear conflicts.

Outreach

We engage with the community through the dissemination of bear awareness information and increasing communication between Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 2 bear managers and local residents. We strive to create a culture of bear awareness and stewardship in the Missoula area.

Our Partners

Habitat fragmentation and increasing human development in the area lead to human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with bears.
Local residents in the Rattlesnake neighborhood of Missoula start a small effort to minimize human-bear conflicts by reaching out to their neighbors and communicating with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Interest in similar efforts grows in other areas of Missoula, leading to the decision to create a website and Facebook page for educational information and community resources.
The University of Montana, the USFWS Grizzly Bear Recovery Program, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Defenders of Wildlife partner to develop and support the website and Facebook page.
Throughout the years, many partners are involved in the effort.
A page for the Bear Smart Missoula effort is added to the website, providing an online resource for this community. effort.
Created new engaging website that helps the local community.
Add in new community groups and resources.