Montana is home to grizzly bears, an iconic part of the state’s wildlife. Their presence contributes to the ecological balance of Montana’s wild landscapes, reflecting ongoing conservation efforts.
Where Grizzlies Roam
Grizzly bears in Montana are concentrated in specific recovery zones. The primary areas where these bears roam include the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) in northwestern Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) in the southwestern part of the state. The NCDE encompasses significant wilderness areas like Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
These ecosystems provide the diverse habitats grizzly bears prefer, such as dense forests, high mountain valleys, and riparian areas along rivers and streams. While their distribution is concentrated in these established zones, bears are increasingly expanding into areas where they have not been seen for decades. This expansion sometimes leads them into areas with more human presence, creating new management challenges.
Conservation and Recovery
Historically, grizzly bears occupied most of Montana, but their populations declined significantly by the 1930s due to human expansion and habitat loss. In 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), initiating comprehensive recovery efforts.
State and federal agencies, including the USFWS and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), conduct ongoing monitoring and recovery efforts. These efforts involve tracking bear populations, managing habitat, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts. The NCDE currently supports the largest grizzly population in the lower 48 states, with estimates around 1,100 bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population is estimated to be around 1,000 bears.
These populations have shown signs of recovery, with densities increasing and bears expanding their range. Challenges persist, including habitat fragmentation and continued human-wildlife conflicts, particularly as bears disperse into new areas. Montana FWP released a Statewide Grizzly Bear Management Plan in 2024 to address these issues and guide future management, whether bears remain federally protected or are eventually managed by the state.
Living Alongside Grizzlies
Coexisting safely with grizzly bears requires awareness and adherence to specific practices for residents and visitors. Carrying bear spray in an easily accessible location and knowing how to use it is a primary safety recommendation. Bear spray is effective at 25-30 feet and should be aimed slightly downward towards the bear’s feet or face until the bear changes its behavior.
When recreating outdoors, it is advisable to travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially in areas with limited visibility like dense vegetation or near streams. Avoiding travel during dawn, dusk, or at night, when bears are most active, can also reduce encounter risks. Proper food storage is also essential; all food and scented items should be secured in bear-resistant containers or hung out of reach.
In the event of a bear encounter, remaining calm is important. If a bear is at a distance and unaware, quietly detour. If a bear sees you, back away slowly while observing its behavior, and never run, as this can trigger a chase response. If a grizzly charges, deploy bear spray; if contact is unavoidable, play dead by lying face down and covering your neck and head.