What You Need To Know About Bears In Montana

Black Bear Encounters Are Making News In Montana

In the news the last couple of days, I've seen some stories about people encountering black bears. One was in Glacier National Park and the other story I saw was at Sluice Boxes State Park.

What Are The Differences Between Black Bears And Grizzly Bears?

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From Bear Aware:

• Size: Grizzly bears are generally much bigger than Black bears. A grizzly can weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds and stand as tall as 7 feet on their hind legs. Black bears are much smaller averaging about 150-600 pounds and standing as high as 6 feet
• Appearance: Black bears have a more slender build and a smaller head with ears that are rounded at the tip. A grizzly is much more muscular and has a very distinguishable shoulder hump
• Behavior: A black bear is generally less aggressive and will run up trees when they're scared. Grizzlies have a much more aggressive disposition
• **Sometimes black bears are actually brown, so watch for size and the shoulder hump
• **A park ranger once told me to run up a tree if you are being pursued by a brown bear. They don't climb trees

How To Be Bear Aware In Montana

• Always carry bear spray
• Make noise and hike in groups
• Stay clear of animal carcasses
• Watch for signs like bear scat, torn up logs, half eaten animals, torn up trees or overturned rocks

Another great resource is Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. Click here to learn everything from how to properly use bear spray to education events.

Sources: Bear Aware, KPAX, Montana FWP

Check out this Grizzly taking down a Bison in Yellowstone: ⬇⬇