Bear Incidents in Southwest Montana: A Cautionary Reminder for Hunters
As temperatures drop, bears remain active throughout Montana, and with many hunters in the field, encounters are becoming more frequent.
During this time of year, both black and grizzly bears are actively foraging for food to prepare for winter. With hunting season in full swing, bears in areas where hunting is taking place may come across carcasses left by successful hunters. The combination of increased bear activity and human presence raises the chances of bear encounters.
Recently, two hunters in southwest Montana had close encounters with grizzly bears in separate incidents. In both cases, the bears charged at the hunters, who fired their weapons to deter the attacks. Thankfully, neither hunter was injured.
In late October, a hunter on Landon Ridge in the southern part of the Gravelly Mountains was hunting in dense cover when a bear charged him from a short distance. He fired a shot from his hunting rifle, causing the bear to flee. The hunter was unsure if he had hit the bear.
On November 1, another hunter in the north fork of Wolf Creek in Madison Valley faced a similar situation when a bear charged him from close range. He fired his rifle to deter the bear, which also ran off. Like the previous hunter, he was uncertain if he had struck the bear.
Both incidents occurred in remote areas known for high grizzly bear populations. Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) staff interviewed the hunters, but due to the remote nature of the locations, further investigation by FWP is unlikely. Access to Wolf Creek is through private land, and local homeowners have been informed.
Trail Closure in Bear Creek
FWP, in conjunction with the Beaverhead National Forest, has closed Bear Creek Trail 6326 for one mile south from the junction with Helmet Pass Trail (6357). This closure affects both the Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area and Beaverhead National Forest.
The closure is necessary due to a dead horse found on the trail in an area frequented by grizzly bears. The closure will remain in effect until November 17.
Stay Bear Aware During Hunting Season
Bears will continue to be active throughout the fall hunting season. Here are some precautions hunters can take to minimize the risk of bear encounters:
- Carry bear spray and ensure it is easily accessible.
- Be vigilant for bear signs, especially near creeks and in areas with limited visibility, as most incidents occur during surprise encounters at close range.
- Hunt in groups, as this can create localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and groups are generally more effective at deterring bears than solo hunters.
- Make noise when possible, particularly after harvesting an animal or while hiking back to your vehicle.
- Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
- Exercise caution when retrieving a harvested animal.
- Bring the necessary equipment and assistance to quickly field dress game and transport the meat from the harvest site.
- If you must leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground, if possible, and at least 100 yards away from the gut pile. Leave it in an open area where it can be easily observed.
- Upon returning, use binoculars to check the meat. Make noise while approaching it. If it appears disturbed or if a bear is nearby, leave the area and contact FWP.
- Adhere to food storage regulations set by the relevant land management agency.
For more information on staying safe in bear country, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.
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Source: https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/releases/0079502a-db3d-4858-b3b8-4b803abe172e
