Montana’s Hungry Bears Are Showing Up In More Unexpected Places

Montana Bear Encounters Are Increasing, And There's A Reason Why

If it feels like we've been hearing about more bear encounters in Montana this year, there's actually a pretty good reason for it.

Bears across the state are having a tougher time finding one of their most important natural food sources, and wildlife officials are warning that could lead to more encounters between bears and people.

Failed Berry Crops Are Leaving Montana Bears Searching For Food

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), berry crops across Montana are failing in large numbers this year.

For bears, those berries are an important source of food as they prepare for fall and get ready for winter. When that food source starts disappearing, the bears don't just go away. They start looking for other options.

And lately, those options have been a lot closer to people.

Wildlife officials say they've already seen an increase in bears getting into garbage cans, bird feeders, pet food, and chicken coops. Basically, if there's an easy meal available, bears are going to investigate.

Photo by Ethan Kuzina on Unsplash

How Montana Residents Can Prevent Bear Encounters

In Missoula, one bear specialist says there have already been more than 250 reported black bear encounters and incidents.

The good news is this doesn't mean bears are suddenly becoming more aggressive. They're simply following their stomachs and looking for food.

There are also plenty of things we can do to help prevent unwanted bear visitors.

Officials are reminding residents to secure garbage cans, remove bird feeders, bring pet food inside, clean outdoor grills, and use electric fencing when needed.

The goal is simple: don't make your home the easiest place for a hungry bear to find its next meal.

Source: Montana Right Now