Event will include a new bear spray training trailer, made possible by a partnership

MISSOULA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff and partners will host a bear safety training at FWP’s Missoula office (3201 Spurgin Road) on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 5:30-7 p.m. The training is free, open to anyone and no pre-registration is required.

The event will feature a new bear spray training trailer and robotic bear, aimed at teaching participants how to use bear spray under pressure. This training trailer and its education contents were made possible through a partnership between FWP and Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF), with support from Safari Club International (SCI) Foundation, the Western Montana Chapter of SCI ,and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

“Education is key to keeping both people and bears safe,” said Mitch King of Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation. “This new training trailer gives the public a hands-on way to practice with bear spray and prepare for real encounters. The better prepared people are, the fewer conflicts we’ll see and the better protected our bears will be. We’re proud to partner with FWP to make this a reality.”

The short class offers a comprehensive overview of bear awareness and safety information, and participants will have the chance to practice using inert bear spray with the new robotic bear. FWP staff and other partners will be available to discuss bear safety practices, bear biology, and how to handle bear encounters.

“SCI Foundation is dedicated to supporting state wildlife agencies, and we are pleased to collaborate with FWP and MOLF to provide resources that educate the public on bear awareness and safety,” said Maria Davidson, SCI Foundation’s Large Carnivore Manager.

September is Bear Aware month in Montana, and a series of events are taking place across the state. Join FWP staff and others to learn how to avoid conflicts with bears. The new trailer will be at some of these events and many more in years to come.

“Not only will the trailer catch the eye of the crowd when we attend events, but it will also allow us to transport our new robotic bear safely along with training tools. We are very thankful for the help of partners to make this possible,” said James Jonkel with FWP.

Bears can be found throughout Montana. People venturing into the outdoors should be “bear aware” by following these precautionary steps:

• Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it.
• Travel in groups whenever possible.
• Make noise periodically to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited.
• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
• Watch for signs of bears such as scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

For more information on bear safety, visit FWP’s page on bears in Montana at fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware. For more information on the training, contact the Missoula FWP office at 406-542-5518.