MILES CITY, Mont.—Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists and game wardens are seeing an increase in black bear activity in southeast Montana and sightings have become more frequent and close to communities. Everyone can help manage this increase in bear activity by making small changes to private property, such as putting away dog food, keeping trash lids on, etc… in order to make your home and surroundings appear unappealing to a bear. This is applicable whether you live in or out of town.

FWP urges people who live in areas frequented by bears to inventory their properties and make small changes to make homes and property unattractive to bears. Bears that find nothing to eat are likely to move elsewhere. Those that find food are likely to return and cause problems, a situation that often is fatal to the bear. To keep from attracting bears, people should:

• Keep all garbage indoors or in a bear proof container.
• Thoroughly clean barbecue grills and move them indoors when they are not in use.
• Take down songbird feeders.
• Store horse and pet food in a secure shed. Never leave pet food out overnight.
• Pick up and dispose of rotting fruit or vegetables left from last year’s trees and gardens.

(Report by Montana FWP; Above Photo: revelstokebearaware.org; Cover Photo: bcspoon.com)