Spring bear sightings

Tribal Wildlife biologists report that collared bears have been tracked in the valley this spring. So while it may still feel like winter some days, bears have emerged from winter hibernation.

Dale Becker, Tribal Wildlife Program Manager, reminds the public that springtime on the Flathead Reservation, with its warmer temperatures and new vegetation is accompanied by an increase in bear activity. Soon after bears emerge from their dens they search for winter killed wildlife and succulent vegetation, the primary sources of much-needed food during spring months for bears.

Both black and grizzly bears emerge from their den sites after spending four to six months hibernating. Females with cubs are particularly dangerous when they venture from their dens with newborns. Once bears become active in the spring, they will begin their search for food and bears aggressively protect food sources.

Keep alert for any signs of bears, make your presence known, and keep a safe distance from all bears that are observed while recreating outdoors. Be alert for signs of bear activity such as evidence of feeding on a carcass, tracks, trampled vegetation, or scat. Do not approach bears under any circumstances.

Becker reminds recreationists that bears generally travel through heavy tree and brush cover along stream and wetland habitats, but may also be found in open fields and shrub thickets. The public should be cautious when entering dense cover that limits visibility to avoid surprising a bear.

Bears are readily drawn by scent of food items, garbage, pet foods, gardens, fruit trees, birdseed, hummingbird feeders and other attractants, often resulting in bear and human conflicts. Whenever someone leaves food or attractants available for bears, they create situations that invite bears to become problem bears, which could ultimately endanger someone or cause the bear's demise.

Tribal wildlife managers work to protect bear populations through public information, education and management of human bear conflicts -- such as enforcement of regulations and/or relocation of problem bears.

According to Becker, "one key aspect of the public education program is providing the public with information on ways to eliminate bear attractants". To receive information on eliminating bear attractants and confrontations, please call the Tribal Wildlife Management Program at (406) 883-2888.

If a grizzly bear is observed, please report any grizzly bear observations to the Tribal Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office at (406) 883-2888, or to Tribal Law & Order Dispatch at (406) 675-4700. Report black bear conflicts or problems to a Conservation Officer or Tribal Dispatch. When calling regarding a bear, always tell Tribal Dispatch you are calling about a bear problem or conflict.