Montana is Grizzly Bear Country! Here’s How To Protect Yourself

Montana is home to a large population of grizzly bears, and if you're spending time outdoors, you need to be 'bear aware', especially this time of year.

With grizzly bears roaming freely throughout the state, it's incredibly important to pay attention to your surroundings and take precautions. Otherwise, you could get severely injured or killed. Grizzly bear encounters are fairly common in Montana, and each year, we hear stories about a number of grizzly attacks. Most recently, a man was attacked near Big Sky. He is currently in stable condition, according to NBC Montana.

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Grizzly bears are very powerful animals and if they feel threatened, they will attack. If you spend time outdoors in Montana, you need to carry bear spray. You can find it at any sporting goods store.

Last year, a local man was reported missing near Livingston. Authorities later discovered his body and determined that he had been the victim of a grizzly attack.

Bears in Montana are preparing for winter and are currently in the hyperphagia phase. During hyperphagia, bears increase their focus on food and fattening up for the upcoming winter. Bears become much more active this time of year, and that means that you need to be extra careful.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks shared the following video that explains the hyperphagia period. September is "Bear Aware" month. Here are a few important tips about bear safety.

Montana's grizzly bear population is constantly growing, which is why it's so important to be bear-aware.