Grizzly bears are present in Montana. These bears are a significant part of Montana’s ecosystem, representing a conservation success story after their populations faced severe declines. Their presence contributes to the ecological balance of the region. Grizzly bears are an iconic species with cultural and ecological value in Montana.
Where Grizzlies Live in Montana
Grizzly bears historically occupied much of Montana, but their current distribution is primarily concentrated in specific recovery zones. These areas include the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), which extends into Wyoming and Idaho. Other recovery zones in Montana include the Cabinet-Yaak and Bitterroot Ecosystems, though the Bitterroot currently has no established breeding population.
The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, located in northwest Montana, holds the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,100 bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, encompassing parts of southwestern Montana, northwestern Wyoming, and eastern Idaho, has an estimated population of approximately 1,000 grizzlies. The Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, also in northwestern Montana, contains a smaller population of about 55 grizzly bears.
Grizzly bear populations have increased in both numbers and range recently. This expansion includes connectivity areas between recovery zones, often moving into private lands. While bears exist in lower densities outside of these established ranges, there is a possibility of encountering a grizzly bear anywhere in western Montana.
Protecting Grizzlies and People
Grizzly bears are protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1975. This protection stems from significant population declines that reduced their numbers to a small fraction of their historic range. Recovery efforts have been ongoing, guided by a federal recovery plan.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), in cooperation with federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), manages grizzly bear populations. Their management strategies focus on maintaining grizzly viability while also addressing human safety. This includes conflict management, research and monitoring, and public education campaigns.
Initiatives to reduce human-bear conflicts involve promoting the use of bear-resistant containers for food and garbage. Efforts also include establishing wildlife crossings to facilitate bear movement and reduce vehicle collisions. These measures aim to help bears and people coexist, especially as bear populations expand into areas with increasing human presence.
Staying Safe in Bear Country
When recreating or living in areas with grizzly bears, caution and preparedness are important. Always carry bear spray and understand how to use it. Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent that can stop a charging bear.
Making noise while hiking, such as talking or singing, alerts bears to your presence and helps prevent surprise encounters, particularly in areas with limited visibility like dense brush or near streams. Hiking in groups of three or more people can reduce the likelihood of an encounter, as larger groups are more easily detected by bears. Avoid hiking during dawn, dusk, or at night when bears are most active.
Proper food storage is essential to prevent attracting bears to campsites or residential areas. Food and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, hard-sided vehicles, or hung from trees. Be vigilant for signs of bear activity, such as tracks, scat, or diggings, and avoid approaching carcasses, which may be guarded by a bear.
If you encounter a grizzly bear, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Identify yourself by speaking in a calm voice and slowly wave your arms to appear human. If a grizzly bear charges, stand your ground and be prepared to use bear spray when the bear is within 30-60 feet.
If a defensive attack occurs and the bear makes contact, play dead by lying on your stomach, covering your neck with your hands, and spreading your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. However, if a bear is exhibiting predatory behavior (e.g., stalking), or if a defensive attack persists, fight back with all available means.