Kick off “Bear Aware Month” with safety tips for around home and when out recreating
MISSOULA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will host a bear aware event at FWP’s Missoula office (3201 Spurgin Road) on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Missoula event is free, open to anyone, and no pre-registration is required.
September is “Bear Aware Month” in Montana, and there will be a variety of events and special activities statewide. Visit FWP’s Event Calendar to learn more at montanafwpevents.com.
The September 1 class offers a comprehensive overview of bear safety information for around home and when out recreating. Participants will have the chance to practice using inert bear spray with a robotic bear. FWP staff will be available to discuss bear safety practices, bear biology, how to handle bear encounters, and how to avoid attracting bears to your property.
Also, at this event and during the month of September, drop off empty or expired bear spray canisters at the FWP Missoula office (and at most other FWP offices around the state) and enter to win a bear spray storage container.
Bears can be found throughout Montana. Be “bear aware” by following these 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.
- Around home, avoid attracting bears to your property by storing garbage and other attractants in a bear resistant container or indoors; secure vulnerable livestock with an electric fence; and avoid feeding birds during active bear season.
For more information on bear safety, visit FWP’s page on bears in Montana at fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware. For more information on this event, contact FWP education technician, Ryan Binga, at ryan.binga@mt.gov or 406-610-2760.