These Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks employees help our western Montana communities prevent and respond to wildlife conflicts. They are part of our partnership that works to create a local culture of wildlife stewardship. Sometimes you may need to reach out to them using the contact info below. You can also submit a non-emergency bear sighting or report of attractants using our online form
Our Story
About Missoula Bears
Missoula Bears is a local resource that keeps you updated about bear, mountain lion, and other wildlife activity throughout west-central Montana. This includes the Lower Clark Fork, the Upper Clark Fork, the Upper Blackfoot, and the Bitterroot.
Our goal is to reduce human-bear and human-wildlife conflicts through education, partnerships, and community engagement.
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.
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.
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.
Outreach
We engage with the community through the dissemination of bear awareness information and increasing communication between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear managers, other local government agencies, wildlife and community groups, and local residents. We strive to create a culture of bear awareness and stewardship in the western Montana area.
Our Partners
- Defenders of Wildlife
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- The University of Montana
- Bear Smart Missoula
- Republic Services
- U.S. Forest Service
- Great Bear Foundation
- Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee
- Vital Ground Foundation
- Be Bear Aware Campaign
- Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Group
- Ninemile Wildlife Workgroup
- Swan Valley Connections
- Blackfoot Challenge
- People and Carnivores
- Grizzly Disposal
- Clearwater Resource Council
- Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
- City of Missoula
- Missoula Public Health
- Bear Smart Alberton
- Bitterroot Bears
- Wind River Bear Institute
