Educational activities planned around state
HELENA – As grizzly bear populations and distribution increase across Montana, it’s more important than ever to be bear aware. Currently, grizzly bears can be found in all of Montana west of Billings. To encourage residents and nonresidents to be vigilant about the presence of bears, Gov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed September as Bear Aware Month, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host several education events and opportunities that will feature fun activities, prizes and giveaways, such as stickers and can koozies.
These events include:
- Aug. 31 and Sept. 14, Columbia Falls Community Market
- Sept. 5, Great Falls, FWP Region 4 Office
- Sept. 7, Missoula, FWP Region 2 Office
- Sept. 7, Billings, FWP Region 5 Office
- Sept. 7, Miles City, FWP Region 7 Office
- Sept. 11, Bozeman, FWP Region 3 Office
- Sept. 26, Helena, Montana WILD
- Sept. 27, Butte, Montana Tech
For more details about these and other events and activities, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.
Grizzly bear numbers continue to increase, and grizzlies are becoming more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year. Bears also become more active in late summer and fall as they spend more time eating in preparation for hibernation.
There are four grizzly recovery zones partially or completely within Montana:
- The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (in parts of southwestern Montana, northwestern Wyoming and eastern
- The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (in northwestern Montana) grizzly bear population has increased from approximately <400 bears in 1975 to approximately 1,100 and has reached population recovery goals.
- The Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem (in portions of northwestern Montana and northern Idaho)
- The Bitterroot Ecosystem (in western Montana and northern Idaho).
In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which covers parts of southwestern Montana, northwestern Wyoming and eastern Idaho, the grizzly bear population has increased from fewer than 200 bears in 1980 to approximately 1,000 and has reached population recovery goals. In the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, grizzly bear population has increased from fewer than 400 bears in 1975 to approximately 1,100 and has reached population recovery goals. The Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, with an estimated 55 bears, and the Bitterroot Ecosystem, with no known bears, have not yet met population recovery goals.
