Bear Sightings near Butte mean it is time to be aware and vigilant

The local Fish, Wildlife and Parks office recently received word that 2 black bear cubs were seen in the Thompson Park recreation area just a few miles south of Butte.  Thompson Park all summer is a popular place for hiking, mountain biking, frisbee golf and picnics and while the presence of bears is nothing new, it is a reminder that late summer and early fall is a time of intense bear activity and potential interactions with hunters, hikers and residents.

black bear on green grass during daytime

This is the time of year when bears enter hyperphagia, a period of intense around-the-clock feeding to pack on fat for winter hibernation.  This drive for calories is what causes the activity and potential interactions and FWP has some things to know and steps to take in order to be safe in black and grizzly bear country.

BEING SAFE IN BEAR HABITAT

Here are some important safety rules FWP advises you to follow in bear country.

• BE VIGILANT - Being vigilant for bears and signs of bears such as tracks, scat and feeding sites, can reduce the chances of a bear a close distance, thereby reducing the risk of a bear attack.  Be particularly vigilant if hiking off[trail.
• CARRY BEAR SPRAY - Bear spray has been proven to be effective at stopping aggressive bear behavior during surprise encounters when the person involved has had time to deploy it.
• MAKE NOISE - Making noise while hiking is an effective method of forewarning bears of your presence, thereby reducing the chances of surprise encounters and related attacks.
• DON'T RUN - Running during an encounter may trigger a chase response in a bear and you cannot outrun a bear.  In addition, jogging in bear country increases the odds of surprise encounters at close distances and surprised bears are more likely to be aggressive.
• DO NOT HIKE ALONE - Hiking in groups of 3 or more people or traveling by horseback is known to reduce the risks of bear attack.  Larger groups are more intimidating to bears and more likely to have at least one member making noise or being vigilant, thereby reducing the risk of bear attack.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN ENCOUNTER

• AGAIN, DON'T RUN - Running can trigger a chase instinct and again, you cannot outrun a bear.
• STAND YOUR GROUND - Remain calm, group together, pick up small children and face the bear.
• BACK AWAY SLOWLY - Speak in a calm, low voice and slowly retreat once the bear is aware of you.

Whether you live in or out of town, bears have been seen in many areas in and around Butte.  Remember to secure all outdoor attractants such as garbage, pet food and bird feeders.  Montana Fish, Wildllife & Parks stresses that preventing conflicts at home is essential as bears expand their range and search for food.