LEWISTOWN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a series of grizzly bear educational programs in central Montana in early February, addressing the biology and status of bears in the area, along with focused discussion and hands-on examples of how to prevent conflicts on the farm and ranch, at home, and when recreating outdoors. USDA Wildlife Services will also be discussing their non-lethal program focusing on electric fencing for protection of livestock.
“As grizzly bears continue naturally expanding their range into central Montana, FWP wants to engage with more communities and increase human safety and conflict prevention awareness,” said Chad White, bear management specialist with FWP.
Montana is bear country with populations of grizzly and black bears that frequent higher and lower elevations, especially river corridors. FWP has confirmed the presence of grizzly bears in central Montana in the Snowy & Moccasin Mountain ranges and adjacent Judith River over the past two years. Although not confirmed, it is likely that grizzlies are also present in the Missouri Breaks.
Dates and locations:
- Denton Rod and Gun Club, Monday Feb. 6th at 7 p.m.
- Yogo Inn – Lewistown, Tuesday Feb. 7th at 4 p.m.
- Winifred public school, Wednesday Feb. 8th at 4 p.m.
The programs are free, open to the public, and facilitated by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bear management specialists will also have a booth at the Winter Fair in Lewistown on Jan. 27-29 to answer questions, provide educational information, and offer bear spray training.
For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit the FWP Bear Aware website at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware.
For more information about these events, contact Chad White at 406-788-4755.
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