bear & lion alerts
May 2011
Seeley Lake
May 26, 2011
A black bear has been trying to access sheds and garages in the Elaine's Way neighborhood north of Seeley Lake. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is closely monitoring the situation. If you live in this area be especially vigilant with containing garbage, pet food, birdseed and any other possible attractants.
Rattlesnake
May 26, 2011
There have been numerous reports of a black bear accessing garbage and other attractants in the Lower Rattlesnake. Please contain your attractants!
May 19, 2011
Bears are concentrated in the valleys right now for the lush green-up, glacier lily and cow parsnip. As snow melts bears will begin to disperse up into the mountain benches and slopes but for now all the food is still down low. Please keep this in mind while you are recreating in bear country.
Rattlesnake
May 19, 2011
A black bear was seen multiple times in Greenough Park on Wednesday, May 18th. On the morning of the 19th he was spotted on a garage roof. FWP is on the scene and is keeping a close eye on this bear. This bear will most likely be trapped and relocated. In the upper Rattlesnake there have been some reports of bears in garbage and accessing garages. A bear did enter a chicken coop and killed chickens in the Upper Rattlesnake. Please secure chickens with electric fence. For more information about electric fencing for bears click here.
Also, please close garage doors!
If you have a non-emergency bear sighting you would like to report click here. Or call MDFWP at 542-5500. If it is an emergency call 911.
Lincoln
May 19, 2011
A black bear has been eating garbage and taking down birdfeeders in Lincoln. This bear may be trapped and relocated. At this time, please remove attractants from your property. Questions? Contact us!
Piltsville, Bonner, Turah
May 19, 2011
Black bears have been accessing garbage. It is crucial that garbage be stored in a secure location such as a shed or garage or a bear resistant container. Questions? Contact us!
St. Regis
May 19, 2011
A trap was set over the weekend for a black bear who accessed a trailer. This black bear has not yet been caught. Pet food can be a major attractant for bears. Please do not feed pets outside. If you must feed outside only put out enough for them to eat at one time and then pull the bowls. Store feed in a secure location.
Blackfoot Valley
May 16, 2011
Missoula man shoots sow grizzly at Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area
Hunters, antler hunters and recreationists, the late spring green-up has caused wildlife to move into the valley bottoms. This includes grizzlies, black bears and mountain lions. Please use caution and carry bear spray when in bear country.
Region Wide
May 12, 2011
After these warm days all bears have emerged from their dens. There has been an increase in bear sightings over the last couple of weeks region wide. Mountain lions continue to be seen in lower elevations and are following game that is looking for spring green-up. If you have a salt lick out for deer or are feeding turkeys (both are against the law) then we advise that you stop or it is possible you will attract lions or bears to your property.
Keep in mind that high water temporarily displaces wildlife as well as people. As we see Montana waterways quickly rise you may see wildlife in places you would not expect. Please report bear and lion sightings on this website or call Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks at 542.5500. If it is an emergency contact 911.
Also, if you see a deer or elk fawn by itself in your yard or while you are out recreating DO NOT pick it up. The Mamas are usually just out feeding and will be back for their young. This is a common behavior for deer and elk.
Montana FWP is reporting that the spring black bear hunt was off to a slow start but over the last week harvested black bear numbers are up. If you are hunting this spring be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray.
Lincoln, MT
May 12, 2011
There has been an increase in bear activity in and around Lincoln. Bird feeders have become a major problem in this area and bears have been seen this spring feeding on birdfeeders in the Lincoln area. Please take all birdfeeders in for the season. Birdseed is highly valuable to bears and can cause them to start hanging around homes and breaking into sheds to reach it. This is a danger for both people and bears! Please contain your birdfeeders.
Blackfoot/Clearwater
May 12, 2011
There have been increasing grizzly and black sightings in the Blackfoot and Clearwater. It is time to pull birdfeeders and contain all attractants. Contact us if you have any questions.
Missoula County
May 3, 2011
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is receiving multiple phone calls and reports of mountain lions in the urban wildlife fringe areas. This includes areas such as; Lolo, Miller Creek, Pattee Canyon, Grant Creek, Bonner etc.
The deer are moving into the valleys looking for the first green grasses and forbs of spring. Both wolves and mountain lions follow deer as their prey source. A mountain lion was hit by a car and killed on highway 200 this week. Drive cautiously this time of year. Animals are congregated in the valleys looking for food especially since the higher elevations are still seeing snow.
If you have any questions about mountain lion activity in your area contact Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks at 406-542-5500.
Seeley Lake
May 3, 2011
We have had our first report of a bear getting into garbage in the Seeley Lake area. Please secure all attractants and keep Seeley bears wild! If you have any questions please contact us.
Black bear picture on previous page: Courtesy of K. Quinn Ellis |
