Bear safety tips – and a free bear safety training event

Running into a bear on an RV trip will leave you with plenty to talk about. That’s provided you come away from the experience unscathed. Montana is a big bear state—and wildlife officials want folks in the outdoors to stay safe. Not only are they giving us these bear safety tips, if you are in the Bozeman area next week, you can catch a free bear safety training event.

Free bear training event

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) staff will be giving hands-on practice with bear spray. No need to worry that you might “miss” and hit somebody (or yourself)—the bear spray used in the class is inert.

You can catch the workshop on Monday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll find it in the south parking lot of FWP’s Bozeman office, 1400 S. 19th Avenue.

What’s included? Lectures on the hour and displays, including grizzly bear and black bear full-body mounts, skulls, tracks, food storage options, bear spray holsters, and a bear spray target. Officials say you’ll have a unique opportunity at this class. What is it?

You’ll get a chance to “take a shot” at a charging bear and in-depth training on how to carry and use bear spray. No, it’s not a real bear, but a simulation. This event is family-friendly, and everyone is welcome. But please, DON’T bring your personal bear spray.

Bear safety tips

Bears are found throughout Montana and elsewhere. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded. People venturing into the outdoors should be “bear aware” by following these bear safety tips:

• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
• Make noise, especially near streams or in thick vegetation where hearing and visibility are impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
• Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
• Keep attractants secured and follow all food storage regulations.
• Don’t approach a bear.

For more bear information, click here.

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