Montana’s wild landscapes are home to grizzly bears, which play a significant role in the state’s ecosystems. The state’s diverse wilderness provides a suitable environment for these animals, making Montana a focal point for grizzly bear conservation and management.
Current Population Estimates and Key Habitats
Montana is home to several grizzly bear populations, primarily concentrated in distinct Ecosystem Management Units (EMUs). The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) are the most prominent. Recent estimates place the NCDE population, including areas around Glacier National Park, at around 1,000 grizzly bears. The GYE, extending into parts of Montana from Yellowstone National Park, also supports a substantial population, with approximately 1,000 bears across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
The total number of grizzly bears in Montana is estimated to be around 2,000. These numbers are estimates, as wildlife populations are dynamic and exact counts are challenging to obtain. Grizzlies thrive in varied habitats including meadows, shrub fields, timber stands, and alpine regions, adapting their use seasonally. They often utilize rugged, isolated terrain at higher elevations for denning.
Grizzly Bear Population Trends and Recovery Status
Historically, grizzly bears roamed much of Montana, with populations estimated at over 50,000 across the lower 48 states before European settlement. By the mid-20th century, due to unregulated hunting, habitat loss, and human conflict, their numbers dwindled to fewer than 1,000. This decline led to the grizzly bear’s listing as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1975.
Since their ESA listing, significant recovery efforts have led to notable population growth in Montana’s core ecosystems. Both the NCDE and GYE populations have more than doubled since 1975. The NCDE increased from around 300 bears in 1986 to approximately 1,000 today. The GYE population similarly grew from 136 in 1975 to an estimated 1,030 in 2024. Despite these successes, all grizzly bears in the lower 48 states currently retain their threatened status under the ESA.
How Grizzly Bear Populations Are Monitored
Monitoring grizzly bear populations relies on various scientific methods employed by agencies like Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. DNA analysis from hair samples is one prominent technique. Researchers collect hair from barbed-wire corrals or natural rub trees, allowing for individual identification and population estimation without direct capture.
Radio-collaring and GPS tracking are also fundamental tools. These devices provide data on survival rates, reproductive success, movement patterns, and habitat use. Remote cameras and direct observations supplement these methods. Population modeling integrates all collected data to provide comprehensive estimates and evaluate conservation strategies.
Living Alongside Grizzly Bears
As grizzly bear populations expand, interactions with humans become more frequent. Conflicts often arise from bears accessing attractants like garbage, pet food, or livestock feed. These encounters can lead to property damage, livestock depredation, or human injury.
Efforts to minimize these conflicts involve preventative measures and educational outreach. Proper food storage is important, requiring bear-resistant containers, hard-sided vehicles, or hanging food in backcountry settings. Electric fencing is an effective tool for securing attractants such as beehives or small livestock. Educational programs inform residents and visitors about responsible behavior in bear country, promoting safety for both people and bears.