ENNIS – This month, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks researchers will begin the fourth season of a multi-year study on black bears aimed at better understanding and estimating black bear populations across the state.
This year's effort will focus on the Gravelly Range southwest of Ennis.
FWP staff will collect hair samples by placing up to 80 barbed wire hair corrals throughout the Gravelly Range. In addition, FWP staff will conduct live captures of black bears, six of which will be collared to collect GPS data.
Hair corral sites will be surrounded by bright orange warning signs to prevent human safety issues, and all sites will be removed before the fall archery season begins. Trapping locations for GPS collaring will be marked by closure signs, and members of the public should stay out of these areas due to increased safety risks.
This black bear monitoring program will ultimately help FWP gain an accurate and timely understanding of black bear populations, accounting for regional differences, to better inform management decisions. The study will provide estimates on bear abundance and distribution and provide insights on how they use available habitats.
Biologists will also better assess how hunter harvest and habitat quality and availability are impacting black bear populations. Managers will be able to make more informed season adjustments and recommendations based on monitoring results. The study will also provide insights on survival rates and causes of mortality.
Montana is bear country. If you are recreating or working outdoors in Montana, it is always a good idea to carry bear spray in case of a surprise bear encounter. For information on bear safety and management, click here.