Grizzly Bear Sightings Increase as Population Expands Across More Spots in Montana

As grizzly bear populations grow throughout Montana, more sightings have been reported in strange places.

Grizzly Bear Population Growth Means More Unusual Sightings

Grizzly bears are reportedly appearing in areas where they have not been seen in years, according to wildlife officials in Montana.

In new locations close to Clancy, Helena, Ulm, Shields Valley, the Pryor Mountains, the Little Belt Mountains, and the Lower Dearborn River, experts have confirmed sightings of grizzly bears.

This year, more grizzly bear sightings are being reported and in some cases, more than a century has passed since the location was frequented by the species as confirmed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Particularly in regions between the Great Yellowstone ecosystems and the Northern Continental Divide, observations show that grizzly bear populations and ranges are continuing to grow.

For the public who live and play outside, vigilance is crucial, according to Quentin Kujala, FWP's chief of conservation policy. The department's field employees are responding to calls in these locations and around the state because this is a popular time of year for bears, NBC Montana reported

Recent Grizzly Bear Sightings in Montana

A grizzly bear was observed in Shields Valley on July 10. Twelve miles southwest of the Monday encounter, the bear was later spotted close to Highway 89.

In addition, it was seen on a trail camera outside Clyde Park on Thursday morning, according to Morgan Jacobsen with FWP, who also noted that there have been no reports of bear encounters, according to KTVQ.

A grizzly bear crossed paths with hikers at Glacier National Park in Montana on July 11, and a wildlife photographer managed to capture the terrifying moment.

The large bear can be seen approaching hikers on the Hidden Lake route as it makes its way down a hill on a constrained path in Steve Franklin's video.

Franklin claimed that the grizzly bear descended the hillside towards Siyeh Bend and emerged from the trees.

The steepness and abundance of boulders on this particular trail made it hard for hikers to move aside for the bear to pass.

The bear made a last-second decision to divert from the trail and proceed down the hill, leaving the group of hikers unharmed, USA Today reports.

Safety Measures

Grizzly bears are appearing in unexpected places, therefore the FWP advised the public to take the appropriate safety precautions.

This entails keeping trash in an IGBC-certified bear-resistant bin or other similarly resistant structure or enclosure at all times until the scheduled time of disposal, avoiding placing food or odor-attracting items next to windows, doors, or exterior walls, and removing pet food, bird feeders, and BBQs from the yard.

The department also cautioned the public that bears are drawn to gardens, compost piles, and trees and bushes that grow fruit.

Using electric fences can be an effective bear deterrent in addition to frequently removing fallen and ripe fruit, and the department is also advised to use an electric fence wherever possible to protect livestock that is particularly susceptible, such as chickens, goats, and sheep, Billings Gazette reported.