Updates
Your source for Bear and Mountain Lion sightings and updates for Missoula and surrounding areas in Montana FWP Region 2.
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Missoula Bears
We keep you updated about bear, mountain lion, and other wildlife activity throughout FWP Region 2.
Visit missoulacountyvoice.com to view frequently asked questions about the newly expanded Bear Buffer Zone, such as when and where the rules go into effect, how to get a bear-resistant container and what to do if someone does not comply to the new rules. ![]()
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You can also find out where your property is located in the Bear Buffer Zone on the County's property information system at gis.missoulacounty.us. Instructions on how to turn on the Bear Buffer Zone layer are also on the Missoula County Voice page.
Happy Halloween! Bears are still active so it is recommended that parents accompany trick or treaters in neighborhoods with ongoing bear activity. This includes but is not limited to the Rattlesnake, Grant Creek, Bonner and Clinton. Keep in mind that while things are slowing down, bears are still active regionwide. Bears love pumpkins so remember to bring those in tonight. While it has been cooler and a bit snowy, do not put out birdfeeders until December 1st. We are having some technical difficulties getting a larger update out today but will try and post one soon.
Excellent reminders from Flathead Bear Aware!Hey folks! Do not be fooled by the cold temps and wintery conditions. We have a lot of people wondering when/if the bears are going to bed soon? Short and sweet, the answer is not yet. This is just a reminder that bears will still be out and about for quite some time. We typically see black bears denned up by Thanksgiving time. Grizzly bears in the park will start denning earlier (we have already seen some head up). We typically see grizz here in the valley den anywhere from mid November to mid/end of December. A lot of people think weather is an indicator of hibernation, but it actually isn't. As long as the bears have a good food source they will stay out as long as they can to pack on the pounds. ![]()
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Please help us help you and help them by securing all attractants so we can tuck these bears in as early as possible for the winter. Please: ![]()
-Put up electric fencing around all bird coops and livestock.![]()
-Secure garbage in a sturdy enclosure away from windows and doors or invest in a bear resistant garbage container. ![]()
-Take down all bird feeders and suet cakes.![]()
-Store all pet food and livestock feed within the house or a sturdy enclosure (not on porches). ![]()
-Turn on radios at night to talk shows in barns, coops, and garages to give the idea of human presence. ![]()
-Invest in some motion sensored alarms that help in deterring bears. ![]()
-After you use your grill, turn it up high to burn off any excess food and grease. Make sure to empty the grease trap. ![]()
-Pick your fruit trees and dispose of any unwanted fruit. ![]()
-If a bear is on your property make it leave! Do not let it hang out, it needs to learn that being around homes and people is not safe. Bang pots and pans, yell at the bear, and use air horns or car alarms to scare it off. Please refrain from using guns as we have dealt with many accidents as a result of people trying to scare bears away with guns. The human voice is often the best deterrent as most bears do not want to deal with people. ![]()
-Move any freezers or refrigerators into an enclosed building. Your porch is not a good place to keep your freezer. ![]()
-Take pumpkins inside at night, bears like pumpkins and will come up on your porch to retrieve them. ![]()
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Also, hunting season is now upon us, and that means gut pile season for the bears. Hunters, please remain hyper vigilant when out in the woods this fall. Many bears often take advantage of hunting season and feed on gut piles and deer remains left by hunters. Please carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make sure to check the expiration date because the propellant can lessen over time and know how to remove the safety.
You can check out the ordinance FAQs that the working group developed on our website under Bear Smart Missoula
City of Missoula expands bear zone, requires bear-proof garbage
missoulacurrent.com
While the number of reported bears in the Missoula urban interface is down compared to last year – likely due to a better food crop – the issue still remains a problem, both for the bears and for ...
fwp.mt.gov
Increased bear activity in Missoula, Bitterroot and Blackfoot valleys is a reminder to be extra bear aware right now