May 22, 2025

This update covers information for April and May (since the last report on April 1st).
Contact information, FWP Bear Team: [email protected], 406-542-5500.

REGION-WIDE

If you have not done so yet now is the time to take down bird feeders and be diligent with managing residential attractants. Pet food, chicken feed, and livestock feed should be stored in a stout building or contained within a steel box or barrel with a locking lid. Garage doors should not be left open, and all garbage should be stored inside a building, bear-resistant structure, or inside a bear-resistant enclosure, rack, garbage can, or dumpster. Bird feeders are a major draw and bird seed, suet, and nectar are highly addictive to bears. FWP recommends that bird feeders be removed from April 1 through December 1. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Grizzly Disposal, Republic Services, Bitterroot Disposal, and other sanitation companies. If bear-resistant options are not available, encourage your local disposal companies to offer options for bear-resistant roll outs and dumpsters. If you are interested in building a bear-resistant enclosure or garbage rack, contact FWP. Small livestock and chicken coops can be protected with electric fence. 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.

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

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity has been reported throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages. There was one incident where a grizzly bear killed some livestock in the Potomac area and had to be relocated. Grizzly bear activity was documented in the Upper Clark Fork Basin, Missoula area, Huson area, and the Bitterroot and Big Hole Valleys. Remember, as the summer progresses, outdoor recreationists should carry bear spray and know how to use. Be aware that grizzly bears are slowly expanding into historic ranges across R2.

Black Bear: Black bears are being observed widely across all of R2. Through April and May, FWP saw an influx of black bear activity across the region. There have been a handful of conflicts with black bears getting into uncontained garbage and other residential attractants.

Mountain Lion: As usual, FWP is receiving reports of mountain lion activity throughout the region in residential and agricultural areas. Mountain lions are most common wherever there are elk or deer. As the summer progresses and more deer seek out green vegetation associated with irrigated crops and yard lawns, expect to see lion activity. Remember, feeding and salting for wildlife is illegal in Montana. By luring big game to your property, you will also draw in predators. Report illegal incidents of wildlife feeding or salting to TIP-MONT at tipmont.mt.gov. Again, remember, wherever you see turkey, deer, elk, or moose activity expect mountain lions to be in the vicinity.

Missoula Bear Buffer Zone: 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. 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, relocated or euthanized depending on the circumstances. Please let FWP know immediately if bears break into any sheds, building, 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, 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. All garbage must now be stored in a bear-resistant manner.

ALBERTON AND PETTY CREEK

Grizzly Bear: A grizzly bear was observed east of Alberton in mid-April. This is most likely the same grizzly that has been observed in the Ninemile Drainage.

Black Bear: There has been no activity currently. Now is a good time to prepare for bear activity. 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 bears 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 area.

Black Bear: Black bear hunters and recreationists 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. Due to a localized natural food failure last fall, there were more conflicts than normal. Residents should expect the same bears seeking residential attractants last year to appear again. There are abundant uncontained residential attractants in the Anaconda 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 Corps on solutions for reducing the amount of unsecured garbage. Similar efforts are occurring in Georgetown Lake and Philipsburg. 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.

DRUMMOND AREA

Black Bear: There has been no activity currently. Now is a good time to prepare for bear activity.

BITTERROOT

Grizzly Bear: FWP has received two verified reports of grizzly tracks in the north Sapphire Range.

Black Bear: Black bears are being observed feeding on natural foods throughout the Bitterroot Valley. A black bear tested the doors of a vehicle in the Victor area and another black bear got into garbage in the Lost Horse Creek and Sweeney Creek areas. 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’re 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. Also, electric fence works well to secure small livestock from mountain lions.

BLACKFOOT-CLEARWATER

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity has been observed throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Drainages. A family group of grizzly bears were reported passing through the south side of Seeley Lake in the Dogtown area, and FWP has fielded reports of multiple grizzly bears near cabins in the Placid Lake area. Placid Lake and Seeley Lake homeowners are encouraged to contain all garbage and remove bird feeders. The Blackfoot Clearwater Game Range opened for antler hunting on May 15th. Several grizzly bears and black bears were observed by hikers. 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, 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 residents. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and 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: 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 install electric fencing.

EAST MISSOULA, MILLTOWN, BONNER

Grizzly Bear: FWP has verified grizzly activity in the 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. 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’re seeking information on electric fence incentive programs or information on bears and 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, but residents are encouraged to reach out to their local garbage companies for bear-resistant garbage cans prior to that date. Visit the Bear Smart Missoula website for information on the Bear Buffer Zone and the Missoula Garbage Ordinance.

EVARO HILL

Black Bear: There has been no activity currently. Now is a good time to prepare for arrival of black bears this spring. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. If you’re seeking information on electric fence incentive programs or information on bears and 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: There have been a handful of verified grizzly bear reports in the Spotted Dog area.

Black Bear: There has been no activity currently. Now is a good time to prepare for arrival of black bears this spring. Encourage your local sanitation companies to provide options for bear-resistant garbage receptacles. If you’re seeking information on electric fence incentive programs or information on bears and opportunities for getting involved with bear awareness neighborhood efforts, contact FWP. Please contain all attractants and contain all vulnerable livestock behind an electric fence.

GRANT CREEK AND BUTLER CREEK

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear tracks were observed on the slopes of the Snowbowl Ski Area, and a grizzly was photographed along the Snowbowl Road. FWP recommends that hikers and bikers carry bear spray and pay attention while hiking and biking on trails.

Black Bear: A black bear accessed an improperly latched bear-resistant garbage can near the Ravine Creek Trail Head. A black bear with cubs was observed at several residences grazing on grass in Upper Grant Creek. A black bear chased a free-ranging domestic pig in upper Butler Creek. 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’re seeking information on electric fence incentive programs or information on bears and 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 mountain lion was reported in a back yard near Ravine Creek. Note: Lion activity is common throughout Grant Creek.

LOLO

Black Bear: A black bear was observed near a chicken coop. An electric fence was installed and the bear moved on. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. If you’re seeking information on electric fence incentive programs or information on bears and 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: FWP has received unverified reports of grizzly bear activity. Note, several individuals have observed radio-collared black bears in this area and have mistaken them for grizzly bears. The MPG ranch is collaring black bears for research. For more information on this project, go to the MPG Ranch website: www.mpgranch.com/.

Black Bear: There has been no activity currently. Now is a good time to prepare for the arrival of black bears this spring. Bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters are available through Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. If you’re seeking information on electric fence incentive programs or information on bears and 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, but residents are encouraged to reach out to their local garbage companies for bear-resistant garbage cans prior to that 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 deer in residential yards and a lion killed several chickens. An electric fence was erected around the chickens and the lion moved on.

MISSOULA

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bear activity is becoming more common in the wilder habitats surrounding the Missoula Valley. Carry bear spray while recreating and know how to use it.

Black Bear: At least one black bear has been observed in the Rattlesnake Drainages’ residential area. There have been no reports yet of the bear accessing garbage. There are several black bears accessing uncontained garbage in Missoula’s South Hills. Note, the entire Missoula area is within the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone. Phase 1 went into effect last year. On April 30, 2025, Phase 2 (Missoula’s University District and South Hills) went into effect, and the remaining portions of the Missoula 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, relocated or destroyed depending on the circumstances. Please let FWP know immediately if bears break into any sheds, building, 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: Verified grizzly bear tracks and reports have been fielded by FWP this spring. Grizzly activity is common in the Ninemile Valley, and residents are encouraged to contain all attractants. Be sure to carry spray and know how to use it. Contain all chickens and small livestock within electric fence.

Black Bear: Black bears have been observed throughout the Ninemile drainage. There have been no reports of conflicts. In years past bears have accessed garbage and other attractants. Homeowners were encouraged to keep all garbage unavailable and to protect small livestock and fowl with electric fence, contain garbage in a bear-resistant manner, and take down bird feeders. 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.

POTOMAC

Grizzly Bear: Grizzly bears have become common place in the Potomac area. In mid-May a young adult male grizzly bear killed several sheep, The bear was trapped and relocated. Electric fence is recommended for containing all livestock.

Black Bear: There have been a handful of reports of black bear activity this spring. After the placement of bear-resistant cans throughout the Potomac Valley Bear Mitigation Zone in September, there was 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 Zone 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 install electric fences around chickens and other small livestock. Communities in Mineral County have lots or residential attractants that continually lure in bears. Bear-resistant cans are available at 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 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. A lion was reported to have killed a lamb in Quartz. FWP is monitoring the situation. Electric fence is recommended for containing chickens and small livestock.

TURAH AND CLINTON

Grizzly Bear: There have been no reports of grizzly bears this spring, but grizzlies are becoming more common in the Clinton and Turah area. 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: Residents have observed black bear activity but there have been no reports yet of black bears accessing attractants. The residential areas around Clinton and Turah have a lot of residential attractants that continually lure in bears. Bear-resistant cans are available at Republic Services and Grizzly Disposal. 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: Mountain lions are common in this area. Expect to see lions wherever there is deer and elk activity. Feeding and salting for deer is illegal in Montana and will only encourage lions to frequent your property.

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