July 30, 2025

This update covers information for June and July (since the last report in mid-June).
Contact information, FWP Region 2 Bear Team: fwpr2bearlionreports@mt.gov, 406-542-5500.

REGION-WIDE

Natural bear foods are currently abundant in FWP Region 2 (R2). Despite earlier concerns about low snowpack and rainfall, berry production is strong. Huckleberries are doing well at mid-elevations, with higher-elevation crops expected to follow. Chokecherries and hawthorn—key bear foods—are ripening in lower-elevation riparian areas and should remain available through early fall. FWP anticipates increased bear activity as these crops peak. Other berries, like kinnikinnick and buffalo berry, also appear healthy.

Grizzly Bear:  FWP continues to receive reports of grizzly bears across the Clearwater and Blackfoot Drainages, including near Seeley Lake, Greenough, Garrison Junction, and Anaconda, where bears are investigating residential areas for food. Garbage remains a key attractant—store it in bear-resistant containers or secure buildings. Additional grizzly bear activity has been reported in the Ninemile Drainage, Missoula’s North Hills, North Sapphire Range, and Big Hole Valley, as bears slowly expand into historic range. When in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Black Bear:  Black bear activity remains steady, with multiple incidents involving unsecured garbage, bird feeders, and livestock feed. Please store all attractants in a bear-resistant manner and remove bird feeders. Keep garage doors closed and only put garbage out on morning of pickup. Bear-resistant cans are available through Grizzly Disposal, Republic Services, Bitterroot Disposal, and now Tri-County Disposal in Helena. If your provider doesn’t offer them, let them know you are interested and encourage them to provide a bear-resistant option.

Mountain Lion:  FWP continues to receive reports of mountain lion activity across R2. Where deer or elk are present, lions are likely nearby. As summer dries the mountains, expect increased lion activity in residential and agricultural areas where irrigated lawns and crops attract prey.

Missoula Bear Buffer Zone Update:  As of April 30, 2025, Phase 2 of Missoula’s garbage ordinance, including the University District and South Hills—requires all garbage to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Phase 3 (the rest of the Missoula Valley that is within the buffer zone) takes effect April 30, 2026. Since Phase 1 began, bear conflicts have noticeably decreased. However, Phase 2 residents may see an uptick in bears breaking into sheds and garages this fall as they seek garbage. Bears showing extreme, food-conditioned behavior will be trapped and either relocated or euthanized. Report any break-ins immediately to FWP. Over time, these behaviors should decline, especially if communities stay vigilant and follow Bear Smart guidelines. We may also still see an uptick in conflicts in extreme natural food failure years. Learn more at the Missoula Bears Community Resources page.

Bear-Resistant Cans: Human Error & Tampering
In the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone, most bear-resistant containers accessed by bears result from human error, such as improper latching. However, some are intentionally disabled—this is considered vandalism and may result in a ticket. If you suspect tampering, contact FWP Region 2 or Missoula Animal Control.

Potomac Bear Buffer Zone:  As of September 1, 2024, the Missoula County Potomac Valley Bear Mitigation Area ordinance requires all garbage to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Since implementation, bear conflicts have decreased.

Electric Fencing:  Electric fencing is highly effective for protecting apiaries, small livestock, chicken coops, fruit trees, and other attractants. Technical and financial resources are available to help with installation. Learn more at:

ALBERTON, PETTY CREEK & NINEMILE

Grizzly Bear:  FWP continues to receive reports of grizzly bear activity in the Alberton and Ninemile drainages.

Black Bear:  No recent reports of black bears accessing residential attractants, but bears are actively feeding on serviceberries and huckleberries. With chokecherries ripening around Alberton, we expect increased bear activity soon. Alberton is working to become a “bear smart community” and has received grant funding for bear-resistant cans and contain attractants. Interested in protecting fruit trees, chickens, or livestock? Contact FWP Region 2 about electric fencing. To get involved, visit the Bear Smart Alberton Facebook Page or the Ninemile Bear Aware website.

Mountain Lion:  Lions remain commonly seen throughout these areas.

ANACONDA, GEORGETOWN, PHILIPSBURG & BUTTE

Grizzly Bear:  FWP verified reports of grizzly bear activity in the Georgetown and Upper Rock Creek Basin, where bears are slowly recolonizing. Wildlife Services is investigating a calf injury from a potential grizzly bear north of Butte, and a grizzly bear was recently seen near a home by Georgetown Lake. Please secure garbage and use electric fencing around chickens and small livestock.

Black Bear:  Black bears are active throughout the upper Clark Fork Drainage. In the Anaconda/Georgetown Lake area, several black bears have accessed garbage—including at a local food establishment, where FWP installed an electric fence around the dumpster. A black bear struck by a vehicle was euthanized near Georgetown Lake, and another black bear damaged a bee yard. Electric fencing is strongly recommended for apiaries, chickens, and livestock.

Due to last year’s poor natural food supply, bear conflicts increased, and the same bears may return this fall. Unsecured attractants remain common in Anaconda, Lost Creek, and Georgetown Lake. FWP and partner organizations are working with Anaconda’s urban wildlife task force, Anaconda Disposal, Washoe Park, and the Anaconda Job Corp to reduce conflicts. Similar efforts are underway in Georgetown Lake and Philipsburg. Last year an orphaned cub from Georgetown Lake was taken to the Helena Rehabilitation Center and was released in mid-July in Upper Rock Creek. For information on wildlife rehab, including the recent release of an orphaned cub near Upper Rock Creek, visit:
FWP Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

To get involved, learn about bear safety, or install electric fencing, contact FWP Region 2. You can also check out FWP’s Electric Fence Guide.

DRUMMOND

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

Black Bear:  Black bears are active throughout the area. A landowner near Jens shot a bear investigating a chicken coop. Electric fencing is effective for protecting chickens and livestock but must be turned on and maintained year-round. Several incidents involved fences left off—don’t wait for bear activity to activate your fence.

BITTERROOT VALLEY

Grizzly Bear:  Grizzly bear tracks continue to be reported in the North Sapphire Range.

Black Bear:  Black bears are feeding on natural foods, but FWP has also noted that bears have been accessing residential garbage across the valley. Please report all bear incidents and secure attractants. Chronic issues with unsecured garbage continue to lure in bears. Bear-resistant cans and dumpsters are available through Bitterroot Disposal. For electric fence incentives, contact FWP Region 2.

Learn more or get involved in local bear awareness efforts at the Bitterroot Bears website.

Mountain Lion:  Lions 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. Electric fencing is also effective in protecting small livestock from lions.

BLACKFOOT—CLEARWATER

Grizzly Bear:  Grizzly bear activity is common in the Blackfoot and Clearwater drainages. Bears have been seen feeding on huckleberry and serviceberry and alfalfa in the Ovando and Helmville areas. Incidents include a grizzly bear damaging a door on a porch in the headwater of Beaver Creek on the Swan Clearwater Divide. A bear tipped a bear-resistant can in Seeley Lake but did not access garbage.  A grizzly bear damaged a chicken coop in Woodworth and game cameras have captured grizzly bears near a home at the north end of Seeley Lake. Sightings also occurred near Upsata Lake Campground and north of Ovando. FWP is monitoring two possibly orphaned, yearling grizzly bears south of Helmville. Close encounters were reported by floaters on the Blackfoot River near the Aunt Molly WMA and a jogger in the Crescent Lake area encountered a family group and bear spray was reportedly used. FWP was unable to verify this incident. While recreating in grizzly country, always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Residents are urged to use and maintain bear-resistant electric fences. Electric fences should be kept on, when possible, year-round to protect livestock and prevent bear conflicts.

Black Bear:  There have only been a few recent reports of black bears near homesites, but residents should remain diligent in containing attractants. Fall may bring increased bear activity. Secure attractants and use bear-resistant containers, available through Republic Services, Grizzly Disposal, and the Blackfoot Challenge. Contact FWP for info on electric fence incentives and bear awareness programs in Seeley Lake, Lincoln, Ovando, and Helmville.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common in the area. A lion was reported near a home in Lincoln. Feeding or salting for big game is illegal. Electric fencing is recommended for protecting chickens.

EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN & BONNER

Grizzly Bear:   FWP continues to receive reports of grizzly bear activity in the Missoula North Hills and Rattlesnake Wilderness. Carry bear spray and stay alert—grizzly bear activity is increasing over time.

Black Bear:  Black bears are feeding on berry crops, with 2–3 hit by vehicles on Hwy 200 near Bonner. No recent residential conflicts have been reported but remain diligent in securing attractants. Fall may bring increased activity—don’t let your guard down. Last year, an orphaned cub from Clinton was rehabilitated and released in July. Learn more: FWP Wildlife Rehab Center

This area has a history of bear issues due to unsecured garbage. Bear-resistant cans are available from Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. For info on electric fence incentives or neighborhood bear awareness programs, contact FWP.

Some of these areas are 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.

EVARO HILL

Grizzly Bear:  Verified reports confirm grizzly bear activity in the area. Grizzly bears are slowly recolonizing the area, becoming more common in recent years.

Black Bear:  Black bears have been observed but no conflicts have been reported. Now is the time to prepare for black bear activity—secure attractants and protect livestock with electric fencing. Bear-resistant cans are available from Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. Contact FWP for info on electric fencing, bear awareness programs, or neighborhood efforts.

GARRISON JUNCTION, LITTLE BLACKFOOT VALLEY & DEER LODGING VALLEY

Grizzly Bear:  A lone grizzly bear has been seen multiple times in the area of Garrison Junction. There have been additional grizzly bear sightings along the Deer Lodge Valley foothills. Secure residential and agricultural attractants—grizzly bears are becoming more common due to proximity to the Blackfoot Valley.

Black Bear:  No current black bear conflicts reported but will likely increase as we move into late summer. Please contain all attractants and contain all vulnerable livestock behind an electric fence and encourage local sanitation providers to offer bear-resistant cans. Secure attractants and protect livestock with electric fencing. Contact FWP for info on electric fencing, bear awareness programs, or neighborhood efforts.

GRANT CREEK & BUTLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear:  Grizzly bear activity has been reported in Upper Grant and Butler Creeks. Hikers, bikers, and runners should carry bear spray, know how to use it and pay attention while on trails.

Black Bear:  Multiple black bears have been seen feeding on natural foods. Conflicts with black bears have been minimal in the last two years. FWP attributes the decline to placement of bear-resistant garbage cans (Missoula Valley ordinance Phase 1) and Friends of Grant Creek’s outreach. All residents and businesses in this area are required to have all garbage contained. For info on electric fence incentives, bear safety, or neighborhood programs, contact FWP or visit Bear Smart Missoula for information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Regulations.

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

LOLO

Black Bear:  Black bears continue to access garbage and bird feeders between Missoula and Lolo and along Hwy 12 upstream from Lolo. Bear-resistant garbage bins are available via Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. This area has a history of chronic human-bear conflicts around attractants like garbage and bird feeders. Please secure all attractants. If you are seeking information on electric fence incentive programs, information on bears, or opportunities for getting involved with bear awareness neighborhood efforts contact FWP.

Mountain Lion:  No recent reports, but mountain lions are common throughout Lolo Creek.

MILLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear:  There was an unverified report of a grizzly bear in Upper Miller Creek. Several collared black bears from the MPG Ranch research have been mistaken for grizzly bears. For more information on this project go to the MPG Ranch website.

Black Bear:  No recent conflicts. Now is a good time to prepare for late summer bear activity. Secure all attractants and bring in bird feeders. Bear-resistant bins are available; this area is within the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone and is scheduled for bear-resistant can placement starting in April 2026. Residents are encouraged to reach out to their local garbage companies for bear-resistant garbage cans prior to this date. Visit the Bear Smart Missoula website for information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance.

Mountain Lion:  Lions are common throughout Miller Creek. A mountain lion was observed at a residence in Upper 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.

Black Bear:  No recent reports of black bears accessing residential attractants. There was a lone black bear getting into garbage in the Rattlesnake but has not been seen. It is likely that this bear will return in late summer. Reduced conflicts are likely due to natural food availability, bear-resistant bins (Phase 1 of the Missoula garbage ordinance), and local outreach. Hikers and bikers are seeing bears feeding on berries—carry bear spray and leash dogs. FWP expects more bear activity as hawthorn and domestic fruit trees ripen.

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 and the rest of Missoula within Phase 3 buffer zone joins in 2026. All garbage must be bear-resistant. Some bears may escalate efforts to access food—report any bears that break into sheds, buildings, or homes to FWP. Food-conditioned bears may be relocated or euthanized. Long-term compliance with the garbage regulations and containing attractants on your property (ex. bring in bird feeders) will reduce these behaviors.

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.

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

FRENCHTOWN & GRASS VALLEY

Black Bear:  No recent reports of bears accessing residential attractants, but bears have been seen feeding on berries and other natural foods. Secure all attractants and livestock. Bear-resistant bins are available via Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. Electric fencing is an effective way to protect chickens and small livestock.

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

POTOMAC & GREENOUGH

Grizzly Bear:  Grizzly bears have become common in the area. A lone grizzly bear may have accessed unsecured garbage in Ninemile Prairie (now secured). Small livestock and livestock supplemental feed can be a major draw to bears. Use electric fencing for livestock and store feed in a closed building or metal container with locking lid.

Black Bear:  Black bears are active and feeding on natural foods. One black bear accessed a porch and tested a screen door in the Forest Park area but did not get a food reward. Garbage-related conflicts have declined since bear-resistant bins were placed in September throughout the Potomac Valley bear mitigation area. As of September 1, 2024, all garbage must be stored in a bear-resistant manner—even for homes without garbage service. For details on bear safety and county garbage regulations, visit Bear Smart Missoula.

SUPERIOR, ST. REGIS & LOWER CLARK FORM DRAINAGE

Black Bear:  No recent reports of conflicts with black bears, but attractants remain an issue in Mineral County. Secure garbage and use electric fencing for chickens and small livestock. Bear-resistant cans are available via Republic Services. For electric fence assistance or to address attractants in Superior, St. Regis, Haugan, Saltese, or De Borgia, contact FWP R2 and visit the IGBC Bear Smart Communities website.

Mountain Lion:  Mountain lions are common in areas with deer and elk. Use electric fencing for small livestock. See FWP’s electric fence guide for more info.

TURAH, CLINTON, ROCK CREEK & BEAVERTAIL HILL

Grizzly Bear:  There have been no reports of grizzly bears this summer but are increasingly common in these areas. Secure all attractants. Bear-resistant cans are available at no extra cost through Republic Services (Missoula County) or for a small fee via Grizzly Disposal.

Black Bear:  FWP has received multiple sightings of black bears feeding on natural foods. Past issues with attractants in Clinton and Turah persist. Use bear-resistant cans or store garbage indoors. Contact FWP R2 for electric fence assistance and/or if you are interested in helping with bear smart community efforts or potential expansion bear smart regulations contact FWP R2 and check out the IGBC Bear Smart Communities site for more info.

Mountain Lion:  Lions are common in areas with deer and elk. Feeding or salting deer is illegal and attracts lions.

 

 

Related Posts

Updates Quick Find