HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has wrapped up September’s Bear Aware Month, but the need to be vigilant in bear country persists this fall.

Grizzly bear activity in September was high in many places in the state. This is normal this time of year as bear activity increases as they look to put on weight for the winter hibernation. This coincides with increased human activity as hunters take to the field.

Wildlife managers don’t expect to see activity slow as fall persists. Fall hunting also picks up with waterfowl season opening Oct. 4 and pheasant and antelope rifle seasons Oct. 11. With more hunters in the field, it’s important to remember to be bear aware.

For hunters specifically, the FWP website is a great resource for how to be safe in bear country.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly or black bears. Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help avoid negative bear encounters:

• Pack meat out as soon as possible.

• Avoid cutting up carcasses at dusk or night. If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps.?Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.

• Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.

• If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully.?Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.

• Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.

• If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away.?Report any lost game to FWP.

• Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind, carry bear spray and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.