On Thursday, Sept. 5, the Miles City Fish, Wildlife & Parks office is hosting an evening event in honor of Bear Aware Month in September. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., wildlife biologist Emily Mitchell will give a talk on black bears in southeast Montana and how FWP monitors and manages them. Then attendees can try their hand at deploying inert bear spray and possibly win a can of real bear spray.

FWP will have bear hides, skulls and other items on display. People can gather a wealth of bear-related information, including brochures on How to Safely Hunt in Grizzly Country; Who’s Who - Know Your Bears; Living with Grizzlies - Farmers and Ranchers; and What You Should Know about Bear Spray. For kids of all ages, there will be Living Safely with Bears colorbooks, bear tattoos and little glow-in-the-dark bouncy bears.

There is no cost and no need to register for this event, which is one of many that FWP and partners are holding around the state throughout the fall. The event will be held outside if weather permits. Bring a chair or blanket if you wish to sit for the talk. FWP headquarters is located across the old highway from the livestock commission at 352 I-94 Business Loop.