Bears in Montana
Montana is bear country. © Larry Stanley photo
Montana hosts a large amount of wild animals and on your Montana vacation you will have the chance to see wolves, elk, buffalo, moose, mountain lion (although rare) and bears. There are two types of bears that call Montana home the black bear, and the more exotic the Grizzly Bear. It is important to remember that all the wildlife in Montana is WILD and should never be approached or fed.
Important information about bears:
First you must be able to distinguish the difference between a black bear and a Grizzley bear. Grizzlies have a large hump on the nape of their neck that gives them a bull like look as well as a dish shaped profile. Grizzlies tend to be about 200 to 300 pounds bigger than a black bear. Color is not a reliable trait for distinguishing between bear species.
Safety considerations:
Don’t surprise a bear if you are hiking in Glacier Park or Yellowstone Park you should stay alert and make noise. Most bears are afraid of humans and if they hear you coming they will move out. Don’t wear fragrance while you are hiking and don’t bring strong foods with you while camping. If you are camping you must hang your food or put it in a bear box at least 60 feet from your tent.
If you see a bear back away slowly without making eye contact. If the bear starts to become aggressive make yourself look big by putting your hands above your head connecting hands with others in your party while you slowly back away. We recommend carrying pepper spray which can be bought locally at any outdoors or hiking shops. We also recommend strongly never to hike alone always have at least one but preferably more hiking partners.
It is special to see bears and a unique experience. Bears however rare, can attack and kill people. But, if you exercise caution while outdoors in Montana you will be fine.
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i like bears
Awesome. You should definitely vacation in Montana then.