While conducting an aerial mule deer survey, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks chief pilot and the area biologist Joe Rahn spotted a grizzly bear northwest of Helena, Montana, along the continental divide and had the presence of mind to pull out his phone and grab a quick video of the apex predator diving into a lake.
This grizzly was reported to the regional grizzly bear biologist for their ongoing data monitoring. During each FWP aerial survey, staff members carefully note any incidental wildlife sightings, such as grizzlies and wolves, and document the animals’ health status, location, and whether they have collars or ear tags.
This spring grizzly sighting is an excellent reminder that bears are waking up and that it is time to be bear-aware. Learn more about grizzly bear safety in Montana below.
Montana Grizzly Bear Safety Tips:
Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.
Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants stored in a secure building. Put garbage out only on collection day. Certified bear resistant containers are available in many areas.
Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and can pose a threat to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.
For more information on safely living in grizzly bear country, check out FWP’s Bear Aware webpage: https://fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware
