A near failure of berries and upland food sources has brought the bears into much of the lowlands of the mountainous Pacific NW, including towns and campgrounds. All the area of Lake Missoula is established grizzly habitat now with good numbers outside the parks. Black bears are also doing well now.
When you visit the Lake Missoula area this glorious fall keep this in mind. Google Bear Awareness pages from Fish, Wildlife and Parks or National Forests and follow the food and camping instructions. This year is on par for setting new records for encounters and new and unexpected places to find them including downtown in all western Montana. Bearproof coolers and hard side storage are good ideas.
Safety Around Bears
Mountain bikers, trail runners, and other recreationists take note and read this detailed information on recreating in bear country! When you are on the trails and even in campgrounds, expect bears to be present or nearby. Moving quickly on a trail increases your chance of surprising a bear.
- Expect bears to be present
- Carry bear spray attached to you and readily accessible
- Make noise and slow down
- Avoid evening/early morning
- Avoid going alone
During a grizzly bear encounter:
- Stop. Do not run. If on a bike, get off, keeping your bike between you and the bear.
- If the bear charges—stand your ground, use your bear spray.
- If the bear makes physical contact—protect your head and neck, play dead, use your bear spray.
- Visit Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Bear Safety page for more on recreating in grizzly country.