MILES CITY – Montana is bear country, even in southeast Montana. There are black bears concentrated in areas of Region 7, but bears can be anywhere there is adequate food and habitat. They may prefer forested habitats, but they range in search of food, territory and mates.
The mere presence of a bear needn't be cause for alarm. They are generally reclusive animals and prefer to avoid contact with humans. But bears are very attracted to anything they consider food, and humans can play a huge role in keeping bears wild and keeping themselves safe.
When bears receive unnatural food rewards such as household trash, pet food, fruit and honey from beehives, they can quickly become habituated to people. This creates a situation that, if not remedied, may mean injury to humans or death for the bear.
Most reports of bears frequenting residential areas involve an attractant of some kind. An attractant is anything that will draw a bear into close proximity with people. Bears have a strong sense of smell and are naturally inquisitive.
It is much easier to prevent an encounter in the first place than to manage a bear that has lost its wariness of humans and has discovered easily accessible calories.
There are many other items that can serve as attractants for bears: birdfeeders, livestock feed, green lawns, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, salt licks, garbage, compost piles, barbecue grills and utensils, toiletries, water sources, carcasses and pesticides.
To avoid possible encounters, FWP recommends removing or securing any outdoor attractants at your residence. While recreating, hang your food or secure it in a vehicle or bear-proof container.
Bears can also be attracted by vulnerable livestock like chickens, goats and sheep, which should be secured for safety.
If you encounter a bear, remember the following:
- Never run away. You cannot outrun a bear. Running may trigger a bear to chase.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Never approach the bear.
- If you see a bear at a distance, the bear appears unaware of you and you can move away undetected, do so quietly when the bear is not looking toward you.
- If you cannot avoid a bear that sees you, stand your ground and watch its behavior. Move away when it disengages.
Please do your part to be bear aware and secure any attractants to keep bears at bay and people safe. For more information on Bear Aware, visit: