January 29, 2026

This update covers information from November and December 2025 and January 2026.
Contact information: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 2 (R2) Bear Team: fwpr2bearlionreports@mt.gov, 406-542-5500.

WINTER BEAR ACTIVITY AND HIBERNATION

Most black bears and grizzly bears were in the den by mid-November, but hunters encountered bear activity through the end of general hunting season on November 30, 2025. During December, FWP continued to field multiple reports of both black bear and grizzly bear tracks, and there have been a handful of reports of bears still active through January. Reports of tracks have been received from loggers, trappers, mountain lion hunters, and winter recreationists. Each year during December, individual bears will continue to seek out big game gut piles and unretrieved big game carcasses. This year, however, likely due to the milder winter conditions and reduced snowpack, a small number of bears are still being reported into January.

Note: In bear country, FWP recommends placing bird feeders outdoors ONLY between December 1st and March 31st. If bears remain active in your area, please inform FWP and wait until all activity has ceased before putting out bird feeders.

REGION-WIDE

Grizzly Bear: As noted above, most grizzly bears typically begin entering dens in mid-November. This year, however, several incidents and reports of grizzly bear activity occurred into December across the Clearwater and Blackfoot drainages, including the Garrison Junction and Deer Lodge Valley areas.

There were several notable incidents during late fall and early winter:

  • November 2: FWP verified a video of a grizzly bear in Missoula’s North Hills.
  • November 5: Two hunters encountered, shot, and killed a female grizzly and a yearling northwest of Seeley Lake in the Pyramid Pass area. A second yearling at the site was not shot. The hunters had bear spray with them but were not carrying it at the time of the incident.
  • Late November: Two grizzly bear family groups, and several lone grizzlies, in and around the community of Lincoln. One of these bears accessed a low hanging harvested deer stored in a woodshed.
  • December 6:
    • A hunter during the muzzleloader season encountered a grizzly bear near Ovando.
    • FWP received reports from two individuals of a bear being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 90 near Garrison Junction. FWP staff responded but could not locate a carcass or verify species.
  • December 31: FWP received a report of a grizzly bear still active near Noxon.
  • January 3: FWP received a report of a grizzly bear investigating wolf traps in Flathead Valley. Both reports were referred to the Region 1 bear management team in northwest Montana.

Black Bear: Most black bears entered the den by mid-November; however, there were several reports from loggers, trappers, and mountain lion hunters of black bears still active through December and January.

Mountain Lion: During the winter months, most mountain lions move to lower elevations. From November to present, FWP R2 has received reports of mountain lion activity throughout the region. Remember, where deer or elk are present, mountain lions are likely nearby.

Note: Feeding and salting wildlife is illegal in Montana. These activities attract mountain lions and other predators to visit your property. Mountain lions are attracted to any area with a concentration of wild turkeys —please do not feed turkeys. Lions are also attracted to homes where house cats are present. Lions are territorial and can be lured into areas where domestic cats are marking territory.

Missoula Bear Buffer Zone Update
As of April 30, 2025, Phase 2 of Missoula’s garbage ordinance—covering the University District and South Hills—requires all garbage in the bear buffer zone to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you notice any dumpsters or garbage cans in Phase 1 (Rattlesnake, Butler and Grant Creek Drainages in Missoula North Hills) or Phase 2 that are not bear-resistant, please call Republic services (406-532-7866), Grizzly Disposal (406-370-6660), or FWP R2 (406-542-5500). Phase 3 (covering the rest of the buffer zone in the Missoula Valley) begins April 30, 2026. Since Phase 1 and Phase 2 have gone into effect, bear conflicts have significantly declined. Learn more at the Missoula Bears Community Resources website.

Bear-Resistant Dumpsters and Cans: Human Error & Tampering
Within the Missoula and Potomac Bear Buffer Zones, most incidents involving bears accessing bear-resistant containers are the result of human error, such as improper latching. However, some are intentionally disabled—this is considered vandalism and may result in a ticket.

Note: Steel bear-resistant dumpsters need to be locked tightly with carabiners or locks at the three locations where it attaches to the main frame of the dumpster. Any dumpster that is not locked to the main frame of the dumpster is in violation. If you see misuse or suspect tampering, contact FWP Region 2 or Missoula Animal Control.

Potomac Bear Buffer Zone Update
Since September 1, 2024, the Missoula County Potomac Valley Bear Mitigation Area ordinance has required all garbage to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you notice any dumpsters or garbage cans that are not bear-resistant please call Republic services (406-532-7866), Grizzly Disposal (406-370-6660) or call FWP R2 (406-542-5500). Since the ordinance took effect, bear conflicts have significantly decreased—helping to protect both wildlife and the community.

ALBERTON, PETTY CREEK & NINEMILE

Grizzly Bear: FWP received several reports of grizzly bear tracks in the Ninemile drainage in early November.

Black Bear: A black bear was reportedly struck by a vehicle on December 16th near the Alberton Exit. FWP responded but could not locate a carcass. There have been no reports of black bears since.

Both Alberton and Ninemile Drainage residents are taking proactive steps to become Bear Smart Communities. Alberton recently received grant funding for the purchase of bear-resistant garbage cans, which are scheduled to be placed this spring. The Ninemile Wildlife Working Group is working with multiple residents interested in containing small livestock within electric fence.

If you are interested in learning more about existing electric fence incentive programs, contact the FWP R2 Bear Management Team. For more information on community bear awareness efforts, visit the Bear Smart Alberton Facebook Page or the Ninemile Bear Aware website.

Mountain Lion: Mountain lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas. Lions use game trails associated with salt licks and will also key into areas where wild turkeys roost. Salting and feeding for the purpose of luring wildlife is illegal in Montana. In November and December, FWP received multiple reports of lion activity.

ANACONDA, GEORGETOWN, PHILIPSBURG, UPPER ROCK CREEK & BUTTE

Grizzly Bear: FWP fielded a handful of verified reports of grizzly bear activity in November. Grizzly bears are now more common in these areas.

Black Bear: Black bears remained active in the upper Clark Fork Drainage through November. Several black bears were still accessing frozen apples in Anaconda the first few weeks of December.

FWP, partner organizations, Anaconda’s urban wildlife task force, Anaconda Disposal, Washoe Park, and the Anaconda Job Corp are still working collaboratively to reduce bear conflicts. The community of Philipsburg is also working with FWP to reduce bear conflicts.

Residents in Butte who are interested in establishing a Bear Smart Community Working Group are encouraged to contact Brad Balis with FWP at 406-465-9343.

Mountain Lion: Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas. FWP has fielded reports of lion activity in both November and December.

BITTERROOT VALLEY

Grizzly Bear: In November, there were several unverified reports of grizzly bear activity in the Sapphire Range. Grizzly bear activity is becoming more common in the Bitterroot Valley.

Black Bear:  Black bears remained active through November. A black bear cub was poached on the St Mary Peak Road west of Stevensville on November 23. If you have any information on this incident visit tipmont.mt.gov. Report bear sightings/incidents and learn how to get involved with community bear aware efforts through Bitterroot Bears.

Mountain Lion: Lion activity and reports of “cached” prey species are commonly reported along the river bottoms and foothills where deer and elk are present. Feeding or salting for wildlife is illegal and can attract mountain lions. In November, a lion killed and cached a deer near a Florence homesite. A lion was reported hunting house cats at a homesite near Corvallis. Be aware that lions are attracted to homesites with domestic cat activity. Lions are territorial and can be lured into areas where housecats are marking their territory. In early January, a dog was possibly attacked and injured by a lion in the Victor area. FWP responded and is monitoring lion activity in the area.

UPPER BLACKFOOT AND CLEARWATER VALLEYS

Grizzly Bear: During November and December, grizzly bears remained active throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater drainages, particularly around Ovando, Helmville, Lincoln, and Seeley Lake areas. Hunters reported observing grizzly bears and bear sign throughout the hunting season.

Recent Activity Highlights:

  • Seeley Lake area: On November 5th, a female grizzly bear and her yearling were shot and killed by two hunters near Pyramid Pass after they encountered the family group while retrieving a harvested a deer. FWP investigated the site. A second yearling was orphaned. When hunting in grizzly country, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Never approach a carcass being fed on by a grizzly bear and never enter an area that has been closed due to bear activity.
  • Seeley Lake area: Loggers reported observing grizzly bear tracks in the snow on December 16th at a logging site in the vicinity of Placid Lake.
  • Lincoln area: Throughout November, two grizzly bear family groups, a female with two cubs and a female with three cubs, along with several lone grizzlies were reported near the community of Lincoln. One of the bears accessed a harvested deer carcass being stored in an open woodshed. Residents in the community of Lincoln are working to become a bear smart community. For more information on how to get involved contact the FWP R2 Bear Management Team at 406-542-5500.
  • Ovando area: In early November, a female grizzly bear with cubs and a lone grizzly bear were photographed on a game camera near a residence on Kleinschmidt Flats. On November 15th, a hunter encountered a female grizzly with two cubs at close range up Arrastra Creek. The bears left the area when they “winded” the hunter. On December 16th, a muzzle loader observed a grizzly bear at close range on Marcum Mountain. Again, the bear moved off when it observed the hunter.

Black Bear: Black bears were active throughout November in the upper Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages.  Since January black bear tracks have been observed in logging units near Placid Lake on several occasions.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout the area.

DRUMMOND, HALL & MAXVILLE

Grizzly Bear: FWP has verified reports of grizzly bear activity in the Garnet Mountain Range through November. Grizzly bears continue to recolonize this area.

Black Bear: Black bears remained active in the surrounding mountains and along the riparian corridors through November.

Mountain Lion: Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas.

EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN & BONNER

Grizzly Bear: Through November, FWP received reports of grizzly bear activity in the Missoula North Hills and Rattlesnake Wilderness. Hunters reported tracks and grizzly bear activity in Gold Creek and Twin Creek. During hunting season all hunters should carry bear spray, know how to use it, and stay alert.

Black Bear: Black bears were observed feeding on natural foods through November. Several black bears were able to access uncontained garbage at residences in Milltown in late November.

This area is part of Phase 3 of the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone, with bear-resistant can rollout starting April 2026. Residents are encouraged to request cans from their waste providers now. Visit the Bear Smart Missoula website for details on the buffer zone and garbage ordinance.

Mountain Lion: Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas.

EVARO HILL

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bears are slowly recolonizing the area, becoming more common in recent years. The last reports of grizzly bear activity were in September.

Black Bear: Black bear activity was reported through November, but no conflicts were reported.

Mountain Lion: Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas.

FRENCHTOWN & GRASS VALLEY

Black Bear: There have been no recent reports of black bears since mid-November.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common along the Clark Fork River and foothills.

GOLD CREEK, GARRISON JUNCTION, LITTLE BLACKFOOT VALLEY & DEER LODGE VALLEY

Grizzly Bear: Several grizzly bear sightings were reported in November. On December 16th, FWP received calls from two individuals that they had observed a grizzly bear being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 90 west of Garrison Junction. The bear was stunned but able to crawl off the Interstate and into the river bottoms. FWP staff responded but could not locate a carcass or verify species.

Black Bear: Black bear sightings were fielded by FWP through November.

Mountain Lion: Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas.

GRANT CREEK & BUTLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear: A grizzly bear was photographed on a game camera in the vicinity of the Snowbowl Ski area on November 2nd.

Black Bear: Black bear activity is still being reported in January. On December 31st, January 5th, and January 20th, a trapper observed the tracks of a black bear family group. FWP suspects that the three bears are being fed by a local homeowner and is monitoring the situation.

Mountain Lion: Mountain lion activity is common throughout Grant Creek.

LOLO

Black Bear: Black bear activity was reported through November. There were no reported conflicts.

Mountain Lion: Mountain lions are common throughout Lolo Creek area. In early January, two sub adult lions killed several deer near a residence up Lolo Creek. FWP is monitoring the situation.

MILLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity was reported in the area through the summer, but there were no observations since that time.

Black Bear: Black bear activity was reported through November.

Note: This area is within the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone (Phase 3), with bear-resistant can placement scheduled to begin in April 2026. Residents are encouraged to contact their local garbage companies to obtain bear-resistant bins prior to this date. For more information, visit the Bear Smart Missoula website to learn about the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout Miller Creek. Mountain lions can be attracted to chickens and small livestock. Electric fencing is an effective way to protect chickens and small livestock. For bear safety, electric fence incentives, or neighborhood programs, contact FWP or visit Bear Smart Missoula.

MISSOULA

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bears are increasingly active in wild areas around the Missoula Valley. Pay attention, carry bear spray, and know how to use it when recreating on trails around Missoula. Even if you are very familiar with the trails closer to town, it is important to stay alert, do not wear headphones, and make a habit of carrying bear spray. There has been no reported grizzly bear activity since early November.

Black Bear: Black bear activity remained constant through November. At least one bear, maybe two, continued to access garbage at Mountain Wood Estates in the lower Rattlesnake Drainage’s residential area and attempted to access garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans elsewhere in the area. There were also reports of several bears in November accessing frozen fruit and domestic mountain ash berries. There have been no conflicts involving black bears since November 10th, but recreationists in the Rattlesnake Recreation area were still seeing the tracks of a black bear family group on the ridge line between Grant and Rattlesnake Creeks.

Bear Buffer Zone: The Rattlesnake is within the bear buffer zone and new regulations began during Phase 1, April 2024. Phase 2 (including the University District and South Hills) began April 30 2025, and the rest of Missoula within Phase 3 buffer zone joins in 2026. All garbage containers must be bear-resistant. Please make sure bear-resistant cans and dumpster are latched properly. If you notice any dumpsters or garbage cans that are not bear-resistant please call Republic services (406-532-7866), Grizzly Disposal (406-370-6660), or FWP R2 (406-542-5500). Since the ordinance took effect, bear conflicts have significantly decreased—helping to protect both wildlife and the community. Reduced conflicts are likely due to natural food availability, bear-resistant bins (Phase 1 of the Missoula garbage ordinance), and local outreach.

For more info or to get involved, visit Bear Smart Missoula or the Missoula Bears Community Resources page.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common in the Missoula Valley, especially where deer are present. Mountain lions occasionally pass through town, often near river or creek bottoms and may become disoriented. Report sightings in residential or business areas to FWP.

POTOMAC & GREENOUGH

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bears have become common in the area. There were a handful of reports from hunters of grizzly tracks in the Garnet mountains in November.

Black Bear: Black bears were active throughout November.

Mountain Lion: Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas.

SUPERIOR, ST. REGIS & LOWER CLARK FORM DRAINAGE

Black Bear: Black bears were active throughout November.

Mountain Lion: Mountain lions are common in areas with deer and elk.

TURAH, CLINTON, ROCK CREEK & BEAVERTAIL HILL

Grizzly Bear: There were a handful of reports of grizzly activity in the Garnet Range through November.

Black Bear: FWP has received multiple sightings of black bears through November.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common in areas with deer and elk.

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