Mild winter prompts early bear activity concerns in Montana towns

MONTANA — A mild winter in Montana has sparked questions about early bear emergence in mountain towns. Wildlife officials noted this year's conditions are unusual, though not yet alarming.

In typical years, bears in western Montana are in their dens by early January. However, James Jonkel, a Bear Specialist with Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), indicated that this winter has been different.

“We had black bear and grizzly activity right up the middle in January. But then yesterday, I got my first report of a grizzly called the Blair Grizzly that just emerged from his den,” Jonkel said.

Adult male bears usually emerge first, often in early March, with females and cubs staying in dens longer. Though confirmed reports are limited, wildlife officials are keeping a close watch on conditions after a winter with low snowpack and early green-up in some valleys.

Jonkel explained that the future conditions are crucial. If spring turns dry and natural foods fail, bears are more likely to be found near valley floors and river bottoms, where Montana's mountain towns are expanding.

“What's concerning to me is, you know, so we have an extremely, you know, short winter very now, very little snowpack, you know, And then if it's dry into the spring and summer and we get droughts, you know, we'll get natural food failure. And when you have natural food failure, you know, that's when bears get more desperate,” Jonkel said.

Jonkel advises residents to stay bear aware by securing garbage, removing attractants and calling FWP if necessary. In Montana's mountain towns, the bear season may be closer than anticipated.