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Bear Aware?

NPS Photo

"I would give the grizzly first place in the animal world for brain power.
He is superior in mentality to the horse, the dog, and even the grey wolf.
Instinct the grizzly has, but he also has the ability to reason."
from "The Grizzly", 1919 by Enos A. Mills,
creator of Rocky Mountain National Park

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Bear ID Test
Do you know the difference between a black bear and grizzly bear?

Camping and Hiking with Grizzly Bears
Hiking and camping in the wilds of Montana can be a rewarding and exhilarating experience. Fortunately Montana is still home to all of North America's forest carnivores. The opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment is an experience we all cherish. Taking in the solitude of the forest is like attending a symphony. The quieter you are the more nuances you hear in the cacophony of sounds in the forest. By being more aware of your surroundings and sharpening your sixth sense may allow you the opportunity to observe some of the rarer wildlife. Stop, look, smell, and listen.You may be able to observe a rare bird, Wolverine, Pine Marten, or Fisher. Unnecessary conversation, shouting at the top of your lungs only disturbs all of the wildlife in the forest and other hikers. In Grizzly country noise around blind corners and in thick brush is a wise idea. Bears bells are not an effective deterrent of Grizzly Bears (see joke below) if it makes you more comfortable to carry bear spray then do so. The best deterrent to avoid a bear encounter is to educate yourself on the habits and habitat of the Grizzly Bear. Take the time to learn good bear manners. Grizzly attacks resulting from bad bear manners usually means euthanizing the bear. Give us a call our staff can recommend books and other resources on how to camp and hike safely in bear habitat.

How do you tell the difference between Black Bear scat and Grizzly Bear scat?
Answer

The Grizzly Bear is being threatened by being taken off of the Endangered Species List.
To get involved please contact the following:

Great Bear Foundation, Missoula Montana

The Sierra Club Grizzly Bear Ecosystems Project
The Sierra Club Grizzly Bear Ecosystems Project is working to protect and restore wild grizzly populations and their habitat in the lower 48 United States and Canada. We believe that the grizzly bear is a key indicator of the health of wild land ecosystems in the western United States and Canada. We are committed to ensuring that grizzly populations are healthy and large enough to be viable in the long-term, and that strong habitat protections are in place prior to removing the grizzly from the Endangered Species Act list.

Two Grizzlies graze a distant slope,
and while they roam there still is hope,
that wisdom might prevade this land,
and some may come to understand,
as long as they are wild and free,
both land and we have dignity,
they are a sign that we still might,
transcend our ways and set things right-
Dr. Jim Butler- Professor of Conservation Biology- University of Alberta