Are Transplants To Blame For Increased Bear Sightings In Montana?

As the "Montana Migration" continues across the state, we are seeing more and more people move to the area and cities and towns are expanding. With the expansion comes more construction of homes, apartments, and hotels, more roads, and higher land prices.

In the last few years, we've seen the prices of homes increase significantly and of course, if you're a renter, you know how crazy rent can be across the state.  For many, it's become a challenge and often the blame is placed on those moving here.

Lots of locals are concerned that this will have a long-lasting effect on not only the makeup of Montana but will affect one of the state's most precious resources, wildlife.

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Montana is known for its bison, deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, and of course, bears. For centuries these majestic creatures have roamed across the state and have managed to co-exist along with the humans of Montana, however, according to several, that has begun to change.

The good folks over at Montana, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks are on record stating that grizzly bear sightings are not only up, but have been spotted in areas that they haven't been seen in some areas for over 100 years.

The Independent Record released a statement from Montana FWP and they said the following:

"Over the last couple of months, FWP staff have confirmed grizzly bear sightings in the North Hills and Grizzly Gulch areas near Helena, the Elkhorn Mountains near Clancy, near Ulm, in the Pryor Mountains southeast of Billings, the Shields Valley, Little Belt Mountains, near the Judith River east of Denton, and on the lower Dearborn River."

While the bears are on the move, the reason might not be entirely because of the increased population, but it is certainly something to think about. Land is being bought up in large chunks and as people continue to move into and build upon the land, it has to make one wonder.

It could be as simple as folks not being "bear aware" so for those that are new to Montana, the FWP says the following steps will help to protect your property from attracting bears.

• Store garbage in an IGBC-certified bear-resistant bin in a secure location
• Keep garbage and recycling in a secured building at all times  
• Put garbage and recycling out only on collection day.
• If feeding pets outside, feed only during the day and clean up spilled or uneaten food
• Avoid feeding birds during active bear season. Consider using birdhouses, bird baths, and native vegetation instead
• Clean BBQs thoroughly after use

Also, if you are going to be out and about enjoying the outdoors, make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings and are prepared for whatever might come your way.