FWP to host bear aware events in Missoula

FWP to host bear aware events in Missoula

MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting bear aware events at the Missoula FWP office.

Officials will discuss bear safety practices, bear biology, how to handle encounters and how to avoid attracting bears to your property.

For more information, click here.

FWP shared the following dates and bear safety tips in a press release:

- Friday, July 24 (4-6 p.m.)

- Wednesday, July 29 (3-5 p.m.)

- Tuesday, Aug. 11 (4-6 p.m.)

- Monday, Aug. 17 (2-4 p.m.)

- Tuesday, Aug. 25 (4-6 p.m.)

- Wednesday, Sept. 16 (4-6 p.m.)

Bears can be found throughout Montana. Be “bear aware” by following these steps:

- Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it.

- Travel in groups whenever possible.

- Make noise periodically to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited.

- Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.

- Watch for signs of bears such as scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

- Around home, avoid attracting bears to your property by storing garbage and other attractants in a bear resistant container or indoors; secure vulnerable livestock such as chickens with an electric fence; and avoid feeding birds during active bear season.