June 23, 2025

This update covers information for May and June (since the last report on May 22nd).
Contact information, FWP Region 2 Bear Team: fwpr2bearlionreports@mt.gov, 406-542-5500.

REGION-WIDE

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) continues to field complaints about bears accessing bird feeders. Note, FWP will not set traps for bears getting into bird feeders and homeowners will be requested to remove all bird feeders. Bird seed, suet, and hummingbird nectar are highly addictive to bears. FWP recommends that birdfeeders be removed from April 1 through December 1. Note, even though turkey feeding is allowed, FWP discourages the practice. Feeding turkeys will inadvertently train bears, lions, and other wildlife to visit your property. FWP is actively investigating reports of wildlife-feeding in Ninemile and Grant Creeks west and north of Missoula. Be aware that it is illegal to feed and salt for wildlife in Montana.

Natural bear foods have been abundant throughout FWP Region 2 (R2). Low snowpack and limited rainfall, however, could impact natural food supplies later this summer. There is some concern that the recent colder weather and late frosts in Western Montana may have impacted local berry crops. Be aware that bears and other predators are now actively hunting for deer fawns and moose and elk calves. Upcoming berry crops are thought to be doing well. Service berries are starting to ripen in the valley floors. Low-elevation huckleberries will be ripening soon, providing they are not damaged by frost. As the summer progresses huckleberries will become available at higher elevations. The most reliable berry shrub-crops, choke cherry and hawthorn, will start ripening in late July through September. The most productive areas are in the riparian zones along the major rivers and streams. When these two berry crops are in full swing there will be an upsurge of bear activity.

Grizzly Bear: FWP is receiving reports of grizzly bear activity throughout the Clearwater and Blackfoot Drainages. FWP is monitoring a grizzly bear in Seeley Lake that has been investigating homesites for attractants. A young grizzly bear was trapped by Wildlife Services and relocated in the Potomac area after sheep were killed. This bear was later shot and killed by a homeowner in the Condon area. Wildlife Services captured a grizzly involved in multiple calf depredations south of Helmville. This bear was euthanized. FWP has fielded multiple reports of grizzly tracks at several locations in the North Sapphire Range in the Bitterroot Valley. Tracks and observations have been reported in the Missoula North Hills. There have been multiple grizzly bear tracks and photos verified in the Ninemile Valley west of Missoula. There have been several reports of grizzly bears verified in the Big Hole Valley. There were several unverified reports of grizzly bears in the Georgetown Lake/ Anaconda areas. There have been multiple reports of grizzly bears near Garrison Junction and other portions of the Deer Lodge Valley. Grizzly bears are slowly expanding into historic ranges. While hiking and working in bear country carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Black Bear: Black bear breeding season occurs in May and June and FWP has received reports of courtship activity throughout R2. Black bear activity has been constant and there have been multiple incidents of black bears accessing uncontained garbage, bird feeders, chicken feed, and other attractants. A black bear was trapped and euthanized in the Georgetown Lake area after it entered a house. 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 until the morning of garbage pickup. Bear-resistant garbage cans are available through Grizzly Disposal, Republic Services, and Bitterroot Disposal. Tri-county Disposal in Helena is also now offering bear-resistant cans. If they do not already do so, encourage your local sanitation company to provide bear-resistant receptacles.

Mountain Lion: FWP continues to receive reports of mountain lion activity throughout R2. 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: Note, Phase 2 of the Missoula garbage ordinance, which includes the University District and South Hills, went into effect April 30, 2025. All garbage within Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone is now required to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Phase 3, the remaining portions of the Missoula Valley, will be going into effect April 30th, 2026. There has been a noticeable decrease in bear conflicts in Phase 1 since the ordinance went into effect. In Phase 2, be aware that with the new garbage ordinance going into effect, Missoula residents may see an influx of individual bears breaking and entering sheds and garages as they escalate their attempts to access garbage. Individual bears exhibiting extreme behaviors will be trapped and relocated or euthanized depending on the circumstances. Please let FWP know immediately if bears break into any sheds, buildings, or homes. After years of accessing uncontained garbage, certain resident bears may show extreme behaviors associated with food-conditioning and will have to be managed. Over time, this type of behavior should disappear in the bear population, unless there is a time when bears are suffering from an extreme natural food-failure year. The key is to be vigilant and follow bear smart community guidelines. For information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance go to the Missoula Bears Community Resources page.

Attention, within the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone most bear-resistant cans, dumpsters, and structures that are accessed by bears are due to human error and improper latching. But occasionally bear-resistant receptacles are purposely disabled. Note, this type of vandalism can lead to ticketing. If you expect any tampering to bear-resistant garbage receptacles, please contact FWP R2 or Missoula Animal Control.

Potomac Bear Buffer Zone: The Missoula County Potomac Valley Bear Mitigation Area ordinance rules went into effect last September 1, 2024. In this area all garbage must now be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Since going into effect conflicts with bears have decreased.

Note: moose, deer and elk are calving and fawning. When hiking and jogging be aware and avoid surprising females with offspring as they can become aggressive if they think their young are in danger. FWP is fielding a lot of reports of newborn fawns in residential areas. Remember, never pick up or move newborn fawn or elk calves. Back off, keep your pets contained, and the mother will eventually return.

Electric Fence: Apiaries, small livestock, and chicken coops can be protected with electric fence. Electric fence is an excellent method of containing attractants, fruit trees, and livestock. For more information on electric fence visit the FWP Be Bear Aware website.

There are resources available, both technical and financial, for installing a bear-resistant electric fence. Check out these sites for more information:

ALBERTON AND PETTY CREEK

Grizzly Bear: A grizzly bear was observed east of Alberton in early June. This is most likely one of several grizzly bears being observed in the Ninemile Drainage.

Black Bear: A black bear was reported roosting in a tree on the west end of Alberton and several individuals have reported a lone bear getting into uncontained garbage. At least one black bear has been accessing uncontained garbage along the Plateau Road on the south side of the river. Alberton is working toward becoming a “bear smart community” and recently received grant funds to purchase bear-resistant cans and contain residential attractants. If you are interested in erecting electric fence around your apple trees, chicken coop, or livestock pens contact the bear management team at FWP R2. Joining Bear Smart Alberton is a great way to get more involved in making the Alberton area a safer place for both people and bears. If you are interested in getting involved with Alberton’s bear smart effort, check out the Bear Smart Alberton Facebook Page.

ANACONDA, GEORGETOWN, PHILIPSBURG, AND BUTTE

Grizzly Bear: FWP received several unverified reports of grizzly activity in the East Fork Reservoir and Anaconda areas. Grizzly bears are slowly recolonizing this area and have become more common in recent years.

Black Bear: Residents and recreators have been seeing black bears throughout the upper Clark Fork Drainage. Several black bears have accessed garbage in and around the Anaconda/Georgetown Lake area. A black bear was trapped and euthanized in Georgetown Lake after it broke into a house for bird seed. A black bear entered an open garage for garbage and a chicken coop for feed in Anaconda and there have been multiple incidents of black bears in West Valley seeking out attractants such as garbage and bird feeders. A black bear getting into uncontained garbage was shot by a homeowner in the Elk Haven Drive area. Due to a localized natural food failure last fall, there were more conflicts than normal. Residents should expect the same bears that sought residential attractants last year to appear again. There is an abundance of uncontained residential attractants in the Anaconda, Lost Creek, and Georgetown Lake areas. Please contain all attractants to prevent conflicts. FWP and NGO groups are working closely with the City’s urban wildlife task force, Anaconda Disposal, Washoe Park, and the Anaconda Job Corp on solutions for reducing the amount of unsecured garbage. Similar efforts are occurring in Georgetown Lake and Phillipsburg. For more information on how to get involved with local bear awareness efforts, erecting electric fence, and containing garbage contact FWP R2. Electric fence is recommended for containing chickens and small livestock. For more information on the effectiveness of electric fence check out this FWP guide.

DRUMMOND AREA

Grizzly Bear: FWP has received verified reports of grizzly bear activity throughout the foothills of the Garnet Mountain Range. Grizzly bears are slowly recolonizing this area and have become more common in recent years.

Black Bear: Black bears are being observed throughout the area. A black bear got into uncontained garbage at a remote homesite in the Bear Creek area. FWP assisted the homeowner with an electric fence.

BITTERROOT

Grizzly Bear: FWP continues to field reports of grizzly bear tracks in the north Sapphire Range.

Black Bear: Black bears are being observed feeding on natural foods throughout the Bitterroot Valley. FWP has been patrolling the valley and has made note of multiple incidents of bears accessing garbage that are not being reported. Please report all incidents of bears accessing attractants or visiting homesites. Black bears continue to access garbage in the Lost Horse Creek and Sweeney Creek areas. A black bear was investigating fire pits at the Painted Rocks Campground. In past years the Bitterroot Valley has had chronic residential attractant issues that continually lure in bears. Please contain all attractants. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Bitterroot Disposal and if you are seeking information on electric fence incentive programs contact FWP R2. For more information on bears and opportunities for organizing bear awareness neighborhood efforts 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 wherever there are deer and elk. Note, it is illegal to salt for or feed wildlife in Montana, and salting and feeding wildlife will lure in lions. Electric fences work well to secure small livestock from mountain lions.

BLACKFOOT-CLEARWATER

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity has been observed throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages. Multiple grizzly bears have been photographed on game cameras at the north end of Seeley Lake. This area is an important wildlife travel corridor. FWP continues to field reports of grizzly bear activity in the Placid Lake area. A sub adult grizzly bear visited several Seeley Lake homesites in late May. The bear tipped over garbage cans and one BBQ.  Placid Lake and Seeley Lake homeowners are encouraged to contain all garbage and remove bird feeders. Please keep your BBQ clean and stored inside a garage or shed. The Blackfoot Clearwater Game Range opened for antler hunting on May 15th. Several grizzly bears and black bears were encountered at close range by hikers. On May 25th a 450-pound adult male grizzly bear was captured by Wildlife Services after a series of calf depredations on several ranches. After consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service the bear was euthanized. A female grizzly with two yearlings has been observed on a regular basis in the Helmville area. Remember to carry bear spray and be aware that grizzly bear activity occurs throughout Western Montana. Grizzly bears are especially common throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages and are observed routinely in the vicinities of Seeley Lake, Lincoln, Ovando, Helmville and Potomac. The Blackfoot Challenge is actively working with the ranching community with range rider programs and livestock carcass pick-up and removal to reduce livestock conflicts. For information, go to the Blackfoot Challenge Carcass Pickup Program site.

Black Bear: There have been multiple incidents of at least one black bear accessing uncontained garbage, a freezer stored in an open shed, and bird feeders at various Seeley Lake residents. Several black bears have been observed on the Double Arrow. A black bear accessed uncontained garbage in Lincoln. A black bear accessed garbage at a vacation home at Coopers Lake. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services, Grizzly Disposal, and the Blackfoot Challenge. If you are seeking information on electric fence incentive programs, information on bears, or opportunities for getting involved with bear awareness neighborhood efforts in Seeley Lake, Lincoln, or Potomac, contact FWP.

Mountain Lion: A mountain lion kitten was killed on Highway 83 near Salmon Lake. Lions are common throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lion activity throughout the area. Remember salting for and feeding big game in Montana is illegal. FWP encourages residents with chickens to erect electric fencing.

EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN, BONNER

Grizzly Bear: FWP received photos of a grizzly bear in upper Gold Creek area and fielded multiple unverified reports of grizzly bears in the Marshall Canyon area. This area is popular for mountain biking and hiking. Remember to carry bear spray and be aware that grizzly bear activity is increasing in this area.

Black Bear: There have been a handful of reports of black bears being observed by hikers and bikers. Black bears have been observed near homes in Marshall Canyon, West Riverside, and Bonner. In past years this area has had chronic issues with uncontained garbage and complaints of black bears. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. 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. Note, 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.

EVARO HILL

Grizzly Bear: FWP has fielded verified reports of grizzly bear activity in the Evaro Hill area. Grizzly bears are slowly recolonizing this area and have become more common in recent years.

Black Bear: Black bears have been observed in the area but there have been no incidents yet with garbage and other attractants. A black bear was road-killed on Highway 93. Now is a good time to prepare for the arrival of black bears in the late summer. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. 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. Please contain all attractants and contain all vulnerable livestock behind electric fence.

GARRISON JUNCTION, LITTLE BLACKFOOT DRAINAGE AND DEER LODGE VALLEY

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bears have been sighted in the Garrison Junction area and along the foothills of the east side of the Deer Lodge Valley. A grizzly was observed north of Deer Lodge along the Clark Fork River. Grizzly bears are becoming very common in this area due to proximity to the Blackfoot Valley.

Black Bear: There has been no activity currently. Now is a good time to prepare for the arrival of black bears in the late summer. Encourage your local sanitation companies to provide options for bear-resistant garbage receptacles. 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. Please contain all attractants and contain all vulnerable livestock behind electric fence.

GRANT CREEK AND BUTLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity has been reported in the upper reaches of Grant Creek and Butler Creek. FWP recommends that hikers, bikers, and trail runners carry bear spray and pay attention while on trails.

Black Bear: Multiple black bears have been observed feeding on natural foods. FWP set a trap for a black bear that injured a pig and accessed food in a vehicle with the windows rolled down. The homeowner is erecting an electrified pig pen. A black bear with cubs and multiple lone bears have been observed in upper Grant Creek where a homeowner is reportedly feeding wildlife. FWP is monitoring the situation. Feeding and salting for wildlife in Montana is illegal. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. Black bear conflicts were minimal last year. FWP attributes the decline of bear conflicts in this area to the placement of bear-resistant garbage cans during Phase 1 of the new Missoula Valley garbage ordinance and the efforts of the Friends of Grant Creek’s bear awareness efforts. 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. All residents and businesses in this area are required to have all garbage contained. Visit the Bear Smart Missoula website for information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance.

Mountain Lion: A lion was observed along the bike trail in lower Grant Creek. Mountain lion activity is common throughout Grant Creek.

LOLO

Black Bear: Black bears have been observed feeding on natural foods throughout the area. A black bear was reported feeding on a dead deer near a homesite on Highway 12. FWP removed the deer. Black bears have been reported feeding on grass near residences up Lolo Creek. Several black bears are accessing uncontained garbage in Deadman Gulch. A black bear was accessing uncontained garbage in the Haze Creek area. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. 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. In past years the community of Lolo has had chronic residential attractant issues that continually lure in bears. Please contain all attractants.

Mountain Lion: No recent activity has been reported but lions are common throughout Lolo Creek.

MILLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear: There have been no reports of grizzly bears in the Miller Creek area. Note, several individuals have observed radio-collared black bears in this area and mistaken them for grizzlies. The MPG ranch is collaring black bears for research. For more information on this project go to the MPG Ranch website.

Black Bear: There have been no reports of black bear conflicts yet in the Miller Creek area. Now is a good time to prepare for the arrival of black bears in the late summer. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. 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. 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. FWP fielded a report of a mountain lion killing several chickens. Electric fence is an excellent method for protecting chickens from lions and other predators.

MISSOULA

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity is becoming more common in the wilder habitats surrounding the Missoula Valley. In May and June, FWP fielded several unverified reports of grizzly bears. Remember to carry bear spray while recreating and know how to use it.

Black Bear: A lone brown phase black bear continues to frequent homesites in the Rattlesnake Creek residential area. The bear ranges from the Rattlesnake Recreation Area to Greenough Park and has tipped over multiple bear-resistant cans, gained access to bear-resistant cans that were not latched properly, got into a chicken coop, attempted to enter several houses, and has entered several garages for garbage. FWP is actively searching for this bear and it is targeted for removal. Please report any incidents with this bear to FWP. The department has fielded reports of a female with cubs and multiple lone bears in and around the Rattlesnake Recreation area. Mating pairs have been observed on several occasions. While hiking and biking carry bear spray and keep dogs restrained. A black bear continues to access garbage in the Missoula South Hills area. A black bear has been getting into uncontained garbage up O’Brien Creek. A black bear has been observed investigating yards in the Orchard Homes area along the Clark Fork River. Black bears have been observed along the Kim Williams Trail. Service berry is just starting to ripen.

Note, the entire Missoula area is within the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone. Phase 1 went into effect last year. On April 30th Phase 2, including the University District and South Hills, went into effect, and the remaining portions of the valley will be in effect in 2026. All garbage within the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone will need to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Be aware that with the new garbage ordinance going into effect, Missoula residents will see an influx of individual bears breaking and entering sheds and garages because of bears escalating their attempts to access garbage. Individual bears exhibiting extreme behaviors will be trapped and relocated or euthanized depending on the circumstances. Please let FWP know immediately if bears break into any sheds, buildings, or homes. After years of accessing uncontained garbage, certain resident bears may show extreme behaviors associated with food-conditioning and will have to be managed. Over time, this type of behavior should disappear in the bear population, unless there is a time when bears are suffering from an extreme natural food-failure year. The key is to be vigilant and follow bear smart community guidelines. For information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance go to the Missoula Bears Community Resources page. And if you are interested in becoming more involved with bear issues at the University of Montana or in the Missoula area check out the Bear Smart Missoula website.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common in the Missoula Valley. FWP has fielded multiple reports of lions within the urban wildland interface. Every year FWP responds to reports of lions killing deer in the valley. Mountain lions occasionally attempt to pass through Missoula along Rattlesnake Creek and the Clark Fork and Bitterroot River bottoms 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.

NINEMILE

Grizzly Bear: FWP continues to field reports of several grizzly bears in the Ninemile Valley. Grizzly bear activity is common in the drainage and residents are encouraged to contain all attractants. Be sure to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Electric fence is an excellent method for protecting chickens and small livestock.

Black Bear: Black bears have been observed throughout the Ninemile drainage. A black bear accessed uncontained garbage at a residence and a black bear got up on a porch to access a turkey feeding station in lower Ninemile Creek. FWP encourages residents to contain all attractants and discourages people from feeding turkeys. For more information on electric fence incentive programs contact FWP R2. If you are interested in getting more involved with bear awareness in the Ninemile Valley visit the Ninemile Bear Aware website.

Mountain Lion: Lions are common throughout the Ninemile Drainage.

FRENCHTOWN AND GRASS VALLEY

Black Bear: Black bears have been observed in the area feeding on natural foods. Black bears have been accessing garbage near Harpers Bridge and Mallard Way. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. 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. Please contain all attractants and contain all vulnerable livestock behind electric fence.

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

POTOMAC

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bears have become common in the Potomac area. In mid-May a young adult male grizzly killed several sheep. The bear was trapped by FWP in cooperation with Wildlife Services and was relocated by the USFWS to the Swan-Clearwater Divide. This bear was later shot and killed by a homeowner in the Condon area. Small livestock and supplemental feed can be a major draw to bears. Electric fence is recommended for containing all livestock and livestock feed should be stored inside a closed building or a metal container with a locking lid.

Black Bear: There have been a handful of reports of black bear activity. A black bear was treed for several hours near the Potomac School. A black bear tore through an open, screened window to access a pie in Forest Park. A black bear harassing livestock was shot by a homeowner in Ashby Creek. Black bears tipped over a bear-resistant dumpster at Garnet Ghost Town. The bears did not receive a food reward.  Since the placement of bear-resistant cans throughout the Potomac Valley bear mitigation zone in September, there has been a noticeable decrease in garbage-related conflicts. Note, as of September 1, 2024, all garbage must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Residents without garbage service are also 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 Bear Smart Missoula.

SUPERIOR, ST. REGIS, AND LOWER CLARK FORK DRAINAGE

Black Bear: There has been no reported black bear activity. Please contain garbage and erect electric fence around chickens and other small livestock. Communities in Mineral County have lots of residential attractants that continually lure in bears. Bear-resistant cans are available through Republic Services. For information on assistance programs for electric fence contact FWP R2. And if you are interested in tackling bear attractant issues in the communities of Superior, St Regis, Haugan, Saltese, or De Borgia contact FWP R2 and and check out the IGBC Bear Smart Communities website.

Mountain Lion: Mountain lions are common in this area. Expect to see lions wherever there is deer and elk activity. Electric fence is recommended for containing chickens and small livestock. For more information on the effectiveness of electric fence check out this FWP guide.

TURAH, CLINTON, ROCK CREEK AND BEAVERTAIL HILL

Grizzly Bear: There have been no reports of grizzly bears this spring, but grizzly bears are becoming common in the Clinton, Beavertail Hill, and Turah areas. 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. FWP and NGO groups are working with Granite Disposal in an effort to acquire bear-resistant cans.

Black Bear: Residents have observed multiple black bears feeding on natural foods. Two black bears have been accessing uncontained garbage up Wallace Creek. A black bear was observed passing through several yards in Rock Creek. The residential areas around Clinton and Turah have a lot of residential attractants that continually lure in bears. Please contain your garbage in a bear-resistant garbage can or inside a closed building. For information on assistance programs for electric fence contact FWP R2. And if you are interested in tackling bear attractant issues there are opportunities for expanding the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone. For more information on how to become a bear smart community contact FWP R2 and check out the IGBC Bear Smart Communities website.

Mountain Lion: A mountain lion was road-killed on Interstate-90 near Beavertail Hill. Mountain lions are common in this area. Expect to see lions wherever there are deer and elk. Note, feeding and salting for deer is illegal in Montana and will only encourage lions to frequent your property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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