Montana’s bear populations are becoming denser and extending their range across the state. As a consequence, conflicts between people and grizzly bears are increasing. A growing bear population, alongside a rise in outdoor activity, creates both wildlife and human safety hazards for communities and recreationists, as noted by The New York Times. Grizzly bears have been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 1975. Today, you’re much more likely to see them in all parts of the state.
On Friday, the lone huckleberry gatherer in the Flathead National Forest claimed his life. One such accident recently happened in the vicinity of Dupuyer, like Dupuyer Creek, Dupuyer Montana in very north-central Montana. He was “shed hunting,” looking for antlers that deer and elk drop during their springtime. Then, all at once, he found himself face to face with a grizzly bear on a scrubby mountain slope. The bear then charged Towne, giving him no choice but to act in self-defense.
“As he was leaving the area, the bear charged him at close range,” – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
As the man fortunately untouched by even the collision, that violent interaction could have gone much, much worse. Anyone who has read Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire knows that grizzly bears charge when they feel threatened or when protecting their cubs. This trend highlights how important it is for everyone venturing into the wild to be prudent.
Growing Grizzly Bear Populations
Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, estimates indicate that approximately 1,900 grizzly bears inhabit the continental United States. Montana is the primary home of these bears. As grizzly bears’ habitats continue to spread outward, the odds of residents and visitors coming across them grow higher by the year. This raises the need for education and vigilance when recreating in an area where bears are present.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a 13-year-old female grizzly bear can weigh up to 250 pounds. With the potential to be as deadly as it is beautiful, a creature this divine presents a lethal threat to anyone who accidentally gets too close. Shear said the National Park Service recommends hiking in groups of three or more. This is a very effective way to minimize the risk of surprising a bear.
Safety Recommendations and Precautions
As a result of these close calls, wildlife officials are warning outdoor recreators to be cautious. It’s important to keep your guard up when traveling in grizzly bear country. The National Park Service recommends that hikers not go alone in wilderness areas. Lone hikers have a higher chance of surprise bear encounters, more likely to result in a serious outcome.
Residents and recreationalists alike need to be informed about the behaviors that grizzly bears may display. A mother bear will protect her cubs with a vengeance. It’s not enough for her just to feel threatened, even if you’re all of a sudden walking by her on a dark street. Becoming informed about expected bear behavior and understanding how to avoid attracting bears are important steps you can take to improve safety while enjoying the outdoors.
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