Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana was forced to close trails over the weekend due to increased bear activity around animal carcasses in popular recreation areas. Restricting access around carrion is essential for protecting both visitors and wildlife as grizzly bears are opportunistic feeders and a carcass is a highly valuable food source which bears may defend aggressively from any perceived threat, including humans.
These sites can attract multiple bears and remain active for days and any bear near a carcass should be considered dangerous and must never be approached. Disregarding trail closures is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Please heed these closures if you plan on visiting Custer Gallatin National Forest and learn more about recreating in grizzly territory below.
To help everyone stay safe in bear country, here are some important tips:
Hikers
• Stay on marked trails and avoid areas with strong smells or scavenger activity
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife, especially in dense brush
• If you see or suspect a carcass is nearby, head back the way you came
• Respect all posted closures — they’re there for your protection
Campers
• Follow the Food Storage Order: store all food, trash, and scented items in certified bear-resistant containers or hang them properly
• Never keep food, trash, or other scented items in your tent
• Cook and eat away from sleeping areas
• Keep a clean camp — even crumbs can attract wildlife
• Always keep bear spray accessible, especially at night
Anglers
• Never clean fish in camp or on picnic tables
• Pop the air bladder and dispose of entrails in the water — not on land
Hunters
• Pack out meat promptly and hang it properly, preferably at least 100-150 yards from the gut pile
• Never dump carcasses — it can spread disease, attracts bears, and violates state law
• Avoid field dressing at dusk or in the dark unless fully prepared
• If you must leave game on the ground, choose a spot that’s visible from a distance
• If a bear claims your kill, do not engage — report it to FWP
• Bird hunters: walk with the wind, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on your dogs in thick brush
