Grizzly bears are present in Montana, which is a significant home for these large, iconic animals. Montana boasts the largest grizzly bear population in the contiguous United States, outside of Alaska. The state’s vast natural landscapes have historically supported these creatures, and their continued presence underscores Montana’s commitment to wildlife.
Grizzly Bear Habitats Across Montana
Grizzly bears occupy diverse ecosystems throughout Montana, thriving in areas that provide ample food sources, denning sites, and protection. The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) in northwest Montana supports a large population, estimated at approximately 1,000 to 1,100 grizzly bears, representing the biggest concentration in the lower 48 states. This region encompasses dense forests, alpine meadows, and river valleys, which are rich in berries, roots, and other vegetation. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), spanning parts of southwestern Montana, northwestern Wyoming, and eastern Idaho, also has a significant population estimated around 1,000 bears. This ecosystem offers a mix of high mountain valleys, open grasslands, and riparian zones.
Smaller populations are found in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem (CYE) in northwestern Montana and northern Idaho, where approximately 55 grizzly bears reside. This area features rugged mountains and remote valleys that provide essential habitat. The Bitterroot Ecosystem, covering western Montana and northern Idaho, is also identified as a recovery zone, though it currently has no confirmed resident grizzly bears. Across these habitats, grizzlies utilize meadows, shrub fields, and various timber stands, moving to lower elevations in spring for emerging vegetation and higher elevations in summer and winter. Their diet includes a wide range of plants, insects, and occasionally carrion or small mammals, with huckleberries being a particularly important food source in late summer and fall.
Coexisting Safely in Grizzly Country
Living in or visiting grizzly bear country requires awareness and adherence to safety measures to minimize human-bear conflicts. Carrying bear spray is a widely recommended and effective deterrent, shown to be over 90% successful in stopping aggressive bears. Keep bear spray readily accessible, such as in a hip or chest holster, and know how to deploy it quickly. It creates a temporary cloud of irritant, allowing time to retreat without causing permanent harm to the bear.
Proper food storage is important, as bears have an exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting food from over a mile away. All food, garbage, and scented items like toiletries should be secured in bear-resistant containers, hard-sided vehicles, or hung at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree trunk. Improperly stored food can attract bears, leading to them becoming “food-conditioned.” When hiking, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially in areas with limited visibility or near noisy streams. Traveling in groups is also beneficial, as larger groups are more easily detected by bears.
If a bear becomes aware of your presence, calmly identify yourself by talking softly and slowly waving your arms, avoiding direct eye contact. Do not run, but slowly back away to increase distance. Most grizzly bear attacks are defensive, often involving a mother protecting cubs or a bear guarding a food source. If a defensive charge occurs, playing dead by lying face down and protecting your neck is often the best response.
Current Conservation Status
Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states received protection as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1975. This listing marked a turning point for their populations, which had dwindled significantly due to historical pressures. Since then, dedicated conservation efforts have led to a recovery in Montana’s grizzly bear numbers.
Populations in key ecosystems, such as the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone, have surpassed federal recovery goals. Ongoing management and monitoring programs track population trends and distribution, often involving the use of radio-collared females to gather data on survival and reproductive rates. Grizzly bears remain under federal protection. Conservation strategies also focus on maintaining connectivity between different bear populations, which is important for their long-term genetic health and expansion into historical habitats.