| SPRING BEAR
SIGHTINGS 
Tribal Wildlife biologists report that collared bears have
been tracked in the valley this spring. So while it may still
feel like winter some days, bears have emerged from winter
hibernation.
Dale Becker, Tribal Wildlife Program Manager, reminds the
public that springtime on the Flathead Reservation, with its
warmer temperatures and new vegetation is accompanied by an
increase in bear activity. Soon after bears emerge from their
dens they search for winter killed wildlife and succulent
vegetation, the primary sources of much-needed food during
spring months for bears.
Both black and grizzly bears emerge from their den sites
after spending four to six months hibernating. Females with cubs
are particularly dangerous when they venture from their dens
with newborns. Once bears become active in the spring, they will
begin their search for food and bears aggressively protect food
sources.
Keep alert for any signs of bears, make your presence known,
and keep a safe distance from all bears that are observed while
recreating outdoors. Be alert for signs of bear activity such as
evidence of feeding on a carcass, tracks, trampled vegetation,
or scat. Do not approach bears under any circumstances.
Becker reminds recreationists that bears generally travel
through heavy tree and brush cover along stream and wetland
habitats, but may also be found in open fields and shrub
thickets. The public should be cautious when entering dense
cover that limits visibility to avoid surprising a bear.
Bears are readily drawn by scent of food items, garbage, pet
foods, gardens, fruit trees, birdseed, hummingbird feeders and
other attractants, often resulting in bear and human conflicts.
Whenever someone leaves food or attractants available for bears,
they create situations that invite bears to become problem
bears, which could ultimately endanger someone or cause the
bear’s demise.
Tribal wildlife managers work to protect bear populations
through public information, education and management of human
bear conflicts -- such as enforcement of regulations and/or
relocation of problem bears.
According to Becker, "one key aspect of the public education
program is providing the public with information on ways to
eliminate bear attractants". To receive information on
eliminating bear attractants and confrontations, please call the
Tribal Wildlife Management Program at (406) 883-2888.
If a grizzly bear is observed, please report any grizzly bear
observations to the Tribal Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
at (406) 883-2888, or to Tribal Law & Order Dispatch at (406)
675-4700. Report black bear conflicts or problems to a
Conservation Officer or Tribal Dispatch. When calling regarding
a bear, always tell Tribal Dispatch you are calling about a bear
problem or conflict.
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