August 14, 2024

REGION-WIDE

Grizzly Bear: FWP is receiving reports of grizzly bear activity throughout the Clearwater and Blackfoot Drainages. There have also been reports of a lone grizzly in the Missoula North Hills and several grizzlies in the Ninemile Drainage north of Huson, MT. FWP continues to field reports of grizzly activity (tracks and photos) in the Deer Lodge, Little Blackfoot, Flint, Boulder, Prickly Pear, and Big Hole Valleys. There have been no recent reports of grizzly bear activity in the Bitterroot Valley. Grizzly bears are slowly expanding into historic ranges.

Black Bear: Black bear activity has been constant throughout Region 2 (R2) and there have been multiple incidents of black bears accessing garbage, bird feeders, chicken feed, 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 inside a building, if possible, until the morning of garbage pickup. Garbage stored outside in a bear-resistant container can still encourage a bear to check out the premises. Bear-resistant garbage cans are available through Grizzly Disposal, Republic Services, Anaconda Disposal and Granite County Disposal.

Dry Conditions: Due to the drier weather and higher temperatures through July there is reduced green vegetation available for bears. Natural forbs and succulents are scarce compared to May and June. In drier years, such as with the existing conditions, both species of bear tend to spend time in higher elevations. But, as the summer progresses and river-bottom berries ripen, more bears travel to lower elevations to access riparian habitats. Bears have also learned to utilize irrigated agricultural lands and residential sites that are heavily watered. The most dependable source of food for bears is green grass/vegetation.

Berry Production: FWP has been fielding reports of good huckleberry and serviceberry production in most mountainous regions. Currently, berry production has not been impacted by drought. Certain areas are reported to be void of berries. However, in other areas, such as the Mission and Bitterroot Mountain Ranges there are bountiful crops of huckleberry and serviceberry. Low elevation huckleberries and serviceberry began ripening in early July.  Through August and September more berries will become available at higher elevations. Chokecherries and hawthorn are just starting to ripen and will be available through early fall.

Due to the low snowpack, and record-breaking heat, there are concerns for worsening drought conditions. The recent rains have offered some temporary relief and if the fruit does not over-ripen and drop (due to higher temperatures) bears should continue to have adequate natural food sources. In R2 territories chokecherry and hawthorn are the most reliable berry shrub-crops. As a result, more bears will be showing up in the lower elevations August through September. Communities should expect to see an upsurge of bear activity, especially in the riparian zones along the major river and stream courses. If the berry crops dwindle this next month, bears will be more apt to seek out residential fruit and unnatural foods such as bird seed, livestock feed and garbage. Therefore, FWP recommends that the public be especially vigilant with containing garbage and other attractants. Remove all fruit from any domestic fruit trees near homesites. For more information on the benefits of gleaning fruit trees in bear country, or if you are interested in assisting others with picking fruit, check out the Great Bear Foundation’s Google Form.

Mountain Lion: FWP is receiving reports of mountain lion activity throughout the region. Wherever you see deer or elk activity expect mountain lions to be in the vicinity. As the summer progresses and the surrounding mountains become drier there may be an influx of lion activity in residential areas and agricultural areas where lawns and irrigated crops attract elk and deer.

Missoula Bear Buffer Zone: All garbage must be stored in a bear-resistant manner within the Phase 1 area of the revised 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 see 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, or homes. After years of accessing uncontained garbage, certain bears may show extreme behaviors, associated with food-conditioning, and will have to be removed. For information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance go to the Missoula Bears Community Resources page.

Potomac Bear Buffer Zone: The Missoula County Potomac Valley bear mitigation area rules go into effect September 1, 2024. All garbage must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Be aware, that with the new garbage ordinance going into effect, Potomac residents 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, or homes. After years of accessing uncontained garbage, certain bears may show extreme behaviors, associated with food-conditioning, and will have to be removed.

Living in Predator Country: 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 visit the FWP Be Bear Aware website. Note: several moose have been spotted in and around recreation areas around Missoula. When hiking and running be aware and avoid surprising wildlife, especially deer, elk, and moose with newborns.

ALBERTON

Black Bear: There are reports of black bears feeding on serviceberry, chokecherry, and apples at residential properties. Since the last report, there have been a handful of reports of black bears investigating home sites for garbage. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner and take down bird feeders.

ANACONDA, GEORGETOWN, PHILIPSBURG, AND BUTTE

Grizzly Bear: FWP continues to field reports of grizzly activity in the Georgetown Lake, Rock Creek, and upper Clark Fork Basin areas. FWP responded to a report of a grizzly accessing chicken coops northeast of Butte. FWP erected temporary electric fence at two chicken coops and later captured and relocated the bear to a remote area in the Boulder Range. Please contain all attractants and report any observations of grizzly bears to FWP. For more information on the effectiveness of electric fence check out the FWP Electric Fencing Guide.

Black Bear: A black bear was captured and euthanized after it continued to access uncontained garbage and bird feeders at Georgetown. A black bear was captured and relocated after accessing garbage at a local resort near Phillipsburg. A black bear got into uncontained garbage at a homeless camp along Warm Springs Creek. FWP assisted a resident with a temporary electric fence after a bear accessed uncontained food and garbage at their building site. Black bears have been getting into unsecured garbage in Anaconda and Phillipsburg. A black bear investigated a tent in the Storm Lake area. FWP and the USFS are monitoring bear activity in the area and issuing tickets for any food order violations. An electric fence was erected around uncontained garbage that was being accessed by a bear at a mine site in Upper Rock Creek. The bear was shocked and has not returned. Black bears continue to access uncontained garbage in Anaconda’s Washoe Park. FWP is working with the Park Board on the issue. Please contain all attractants, remove bird feeders, and pick fruit trees that are adjacent to homes.

BITTERROOT

Grizzly Bear: There have been no recent reports of grizzly bear activity in the Bitterroot Valley since the last update, but FWP continues to field reports of tracks and observations in the Big Hole Valley.

Black Bear: There have been multiple incidents of black bears accessing bird feeders, garbage, and chicken coops in the Bitterroot Valley. A black bear was trapped and euthanized after it broke into a trailer and vehicle east of Florence in the Woodchuck Drainage. FWP issued several bear-resistant garbage cans to residents that have no means of storing garbage and is working with the community to reduce attractants. Black bears have been accessing residential garbage and bird feeders along most side drainages on both the east and west side of the Bitterroot Valley. Several black bears have been road-killed on Highway 93 South. Black bears have been observed feeding on serviceberry and chokecherry at multiple sites along the Bitterroot River and various side drainages. Black bears have been accessing uncontained garbage in the Tie Chute, and Pinesdale areas. FWP is expecting an increase in calls of black bears getting into garbage and of bears on porches in the lower elevations as chokecherry and hawthorn ripens. Please take down bird feeders, electrify chicken coops, 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 the Bitterroot Bears site.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout the Bitterroot Valley and FWP has fielded multiple reports of lion activity in the river bottoms and along the foothills. As the summer progresses more deer and elk will begin using irrigated agricultural sites. Wherever you see concentrations of deer and elk expect to have lion activity. A lion was euthanized by Wildlife Services in the Sweeny Creek area after it killed small livestock. Electric fence is recommended for preventing depredations from predators.

Moose: A moose was observed at several locations in Hamilton, MT. FWP is monitoring the situation.

BLACKFOOT-CLEARWATER

Grizzly Bear: There have been continual reports of grizzly bear activity throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages. Grizzlies are common throughout the area and are observed routinely in the vicinities of Seeley Lake, Lincoln, Ovando and Helmville. Multiple lone grizzlies have been photographed on game cameras at a homesite along the Clearwater River. A lone grizzly was photographed on the Double Arrow. A female grizzly with three cubs was encountered by a person walking their dog west of Seeley Lake. A female grizzly with young was observed at the frisbee golf course north of the Seeley Lake High school. A hiker in the Placid Lake area encountered a female grizzly with two cubs. Multiple grizzlies have been observed feeding in alfalfa fields at various ranches in and around Ovando and Helmville. A lone grizzly bear accessed garbage at a ranch near Helmville. A female grizzly with cubs entered an electrified ranch compound to feed on a dead cow near the Aunt Molly Wildlife Management Area. The cow was removed and the fence, which had grounded out due to a fallen tree, was repaired. A female grizzly with cubs broke into a chicken coop near Woodworth, MT. FWP erected a temporary electric fence and is working with the landowner on a more permanent solution. A bear, possible a grizzly, attempted to enter a grain shed in Lincoln. The owner erected an electric fence and set up cameras. FWP is monitoring the situation. Wildlife Services verified a series of grizzly bear calf depredation east of Kleinschmidt Flats. The cows were taken to a different pasture, and the herd has been closely monitored by range riders, but the bear continued to follow the herd. After a fourth calf was found dead Wildlife Services did launch a management action and an adult male grizzly was euthanized. A grizzly bear was observed feeding on a calf carcass southwest of Helmville. Wildlife Services determined that the calf had died of natural causes. If you have a horse or cow carcass that needs to be removed in the Blackfoot Drainage, contact the Blackfoot Challenge. For information, go to: Blackfoot Challenges Carcass Pickup Program.

Black Bear: Several black bears are accessing garbage and bird seed in Seeley Lake. Multiple black bears have been accessing garbage and bird feeders and several homes were damaged in Lincoln, MT. One black bear was trapped and relocated. Several black bears were reported in Ovando, MT. A black bear accessed a bird feeder and got into garbage near Clearwater Junction. A black bear was struck by a vehicle on Hwy 200 near the North Fork of the Blackfoot Bridge. Please take down all bird feeders and contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lion activity throughout the area. Several lions have been observed near homesites in Seeley Lake and Lincoln.

EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN, BONNER

Grizzly Bear: FWP research crews recently captured a grizzly in upper Gold Creek northeast of Bonner.

Black Bear: There were multiple reports of a bear accessing porches and accessing garbage and investigating chicken coops in East Missoula, Milltown and Piltzville. Multiple black bears have been documented on game cameras on lower Marshall Creek and there have been continual reports of hikers and bikers observing black bears feeding on serviceberry and chokecherry. Hikers and bikers have been encountering bears feeding on berries along the Kim Williams Trail. FWP encourages residents with chickens to erect electric fencing. Black bears have also been accessing uncontained garbage in Milltown and Bonner. Please contain all garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup and remove all bird feeders.

EVARO HILL

Grizzly Bear: FWP continues to field reports of grizzly activity in the Evaro Hill area.

Black Bear: FWP has fielded several reports of black bears accessing uncontained garbage and bird feeders. A landowner discovered a dead bear adjacent to their property. The incident is under investigation. Please contain all attractants and contain all vulnerable livestock behind electric fence.

GARRISON JUNCTION, LITTLE BLACKFOOT DRAINAGE AND DEER LODGE VALLEY

Grizzly Bear: FWP continues to field reports of grizzly bear activity throughout the Little Blackfoot Drainage and Deer Lodge Valleys. A grizzly was photographed on a game camera near Garrison Junction. A grizzly was observed feeding on a calf carcass in the Avon area. Wildlife Services investigated and determined the calf had died of natural causes. A grizzly has been observed on multiple occasions near homesites in the McDonald Pass area.

Black Bear: Black bears have been observed along the Little Blackfoot River feeding on berries. A black bear was killed on Hwy 12 near Garrison Junction. Black bears have been getting into residential attractants east of McDonald Pass.

GRANT CREEK AND BUTLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear: A grizzly was photographed on a game camera in upper Butler Creek and there have been reports of grizzly tracks and sign throughout the Missoula North Hills. Grizzlies are becoming common in the Missoula area. FWP recommends that hikers, runners, and bikers do not wear ear buds or headphones and carry bear spray. Pay attention while recreating on trails, especially in those areas where the berries are plentiful, and bear activity is high.

Black Bear: Black bears are being observed feeding on serviceberry and chokecherry along Grant Creek. Please keep all garbage contained in a bear-resistant manner and take down all bird feeders.

LOLO

Black Bear: Black bears were accessing uncontained garbage and checking out porches for bird feeders at various residents in Lolo, MT and upstream at homesites along the Hwy 12 corridor. A black bear was trapped and relocated in Sleeman Creek after getting into a chicken coop, grain, bee hives, and garbage at one residence over the course of several weeks. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner and take out the morning of pick up. Take down bird feeders. A black bear got into a bee yard in Mormon Creek. Please contain apiaries, fowl, and small livestock within electric fence. There have been reports of black bears feeding on serviceberry along Lolo Creek and the bike trail between Missoula and Lolo.

MILLER CREEK

Black Bear: Several bears have been reported getting into chicken coops and uncontained garbage. Please erect electric fence around chickens and other small livestock and contain all attractants.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout Miller Creek. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lion activity throughout the area.

MISSOULA

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity is becoming more common in the wilder habitats surrounding the Missoula Valley. Carry bear spray while recreating.

Black Bear: There have been a handful of observations of black bears feeding on berries and apples in the Rattlesnake Drainage. There have been several incidents of black bears getting into uncontained garbage in the Rattlesnake Drainage, Missoula’s South Hills and the Pattee Canyon area. A black bear has been accessing uncontained garbage along the Bitterroot and Clark Fork River in the Orchard Homes area. Multiple black bears have been observed feeding on berries in the Big Flat, O’Brien and Haze Creek areas. Please contain all attractants and pick your fruit trees.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common in the Missoula Valley. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lions within the urban wildland interface. FWP responded to several reports of lions killing deer in the Rattlesnake Drainage. Mountain lions occasionally attempt to pass through Missoula along Rattlesnake Creek and Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers and occasionally become disoriented and will roost in trees. If you see a mountain lion in residential or business districts let FWP know ASAP. Expect to see mountain lion activity wherever there are concentrations of deer. Note it is illegal to salt or feed big game species in Montana. Report incidents of wildlife Feeding or salting to TIP-MONT.

Moose: A moose was observed at several locations near the University and Sentinel High School. FWP made an unsuccessful attempt to dart and relocate the moose. The moose eventually left the valley floor on its own accord. Several moose were also observed in the Rattlesnake Drainage’s residential area and in the Blue Mountain area.

Note: Earlier this summer, shortly after Phase 1 of the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone ordinance went into effect, several bears exhibiting extreme food-conditioned behavior had to be lethally removed. Since that time, the number of bear conflicts have dramatically decreased, and reports of ordinance violations (uncontained garbage) have been minimal. Missoula recently became a “Bear Smart Community” with the goal of reducing food-conditioned behavior in the local bear population. Please contain all garbage in a bear-resistant manner until the morning of pickup. Bear-resistant garbage cans are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. Please remain diligent with all human food attractant sources (bird feeders, fruit trees, etc.) to prevent bears from learning bad habits. FWP is expecting an upsurge of black bear activity in the Missoula Valley through the remainder of the year. As the serviceberry, chokecherry, and hawthorn crop production wains many bears will shift onto domestic fruit. FWP encourages homeowners living adjacent to known bear activity areas pick their fruit trees. For more information on gleaning fruit trees check out the Great Bear Foundation.

NINEMILE

Grizzly Bear: Two grizzly bears have been observed and there have been multiple reports of tracks and sign. Both the Ninemile and Sixmile Drainages have abundant crops of serviceberry, chokecherry, and hawthorn that have lured grizzly bears in the past. If you live near an area with heavy berry production, be sure to carry bear spray and contain all attractants.

Black Bear: There have been a handful of reports of bears investigating residential areas for garbage. Multiple black bears have been observed feeding on chokecherry, serviceberry, and huckleberry. Please contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner, take down bird feeders and pick your domestic fruit trees.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout the Ninemile Drainage. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lion activity throughout the area.

POTOMAC

Grizzly Bear: There have been multiple observations of at least one grizzly bear in the Potomac Valley. The bear has not accessed any attractants or been involved in any conflicts at this time. Several grizzly bears have also been observed in the Elk Creek and Ninemile Prairie areas east of the Lubrecht Experimental Forest.

Black Bear: Black bears have been accessing garbage at various sites in the Potomac area. Please keep all garbage contained in a bear-resistant manner and take down all bird feeders.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout the Potomac Valley. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lion activity throughout the area. A lion was killed by a homeowner after it killed a goat. Electric fence is an excellent method for keeping small livestock safe.

Note: Last year there were multiple grizzly bears and black bears accessing uncontained garbage in the Potomac Valley. Over the years, Potomac has had chronic issues with black bears and other predators accessing uncontained attractants. In 2023, a group of Potomac residents approached Missoula County and asked for the Commissioners to create the Potomac Valley Bear Mitigation Area and rules requiring that all garbage be contained in a bear-resistant manner. Starting September 1, 2024, all residents within the Potomac Valley mitigation map boundaries will be required to contain garbage in such a way that it is unavailable for bears. Residents currently with garbage service will automatically be receiving a bear-resistant garbage can from Republic Services or Grizzly Disposal. Residents without garbage service will also be required to store garbage in a bear-resistant manner. For more information on the Potomac Valley Bear Mitigation area and county garbage ordinance check out this link: https://missoulacountyvoice.com/bear-smart-missoula

Potomac residents need to be aware, that with the new garbage ordinance going into effect, property owners may be seeing an influx of bear activity. Individual bears may escalate their attempts to access garbage. After years of accessing uncontained garbage, certain bears may show extreme behaviors, associated with food-conditioning, and will have to be removed. Please let FWP know immediately if bears break into any sheds, building, or homes. Also, if you have small livestock, please consider erecting multi-wire bear-resistant electric fence. Electric fence is adaptable and can be tailored for size and contain multiple attractants. For more information on the use of electric fence to protect livestock check out these resources:

Defenders of Wildlife Electric Fencing Incentive Program | Defenders of Wildlife

How To Electric Fence for Bears – YouTube

How To Install an Electric Fence to Prevent Bear Conflicts (youtube.com)

SUPERIOR, ST. REGIS, AND LOWER CLARK FORK DRAINAGE

Black Bear: Several bears have been reported getting into garbage and chicken coops. A female black bear was struck by a train and three cubs were orphaned near Quinn’s Hot Springs. FWP is monitoring the situation. Please contain garbage and erect electric fence around chickens and other small livestock.

Mountain Lion: A mountain lion killed one dog and injured a second dog in the Quartz Campground. FWP is monitoring the area for lion activity.

TURAH AND CLINTON

Grizzly Bear: A grizzly has been observed on several occasion in the Clinton area. Last year several grizzlies and multiple black bears were continually accessing uncontained garbage in the Wallace Creek Drainage. Please contain all attractants in a bear-resistant manner. Republic Services is providing bear-resistant cans in Missoula County at no additional fee for customers. Grizzly Disposal also has bear-resistant garbage cans available for a small fee.

Black Bear: Multiple black bears are accessing uncontained garbage in the Clinton 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.

Mountain Lion: Wildlife Services euthanized a lion in the Turah area after it killed a goat. Please contain vulnerable livestock and fowl behind an electric fence.