The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

BIG SANDY- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a public meeting on grizzly bear awareness, including how to minimize conflict, on Wednesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at the Big Sandy Senior Center. The event is open to the public, and area landowners are encouraged to attend. The meeting will follow the Choteau County/Senior Center recommendations for Covid-19 precautions, and seating may be limited. Please do not attend if you are having any flu or cold-like symptoms.

During the last several years, grizzly bears have been expanding out of their recovery zones, including to the prairies east of the Rocky Mountain Front. In June of 2020, area residents reported a grizzly bear in several locations west of Big Sandy. Just recently, a pair of grizzly bears were seen about 15 miles northwest of Big Sandy. Although it's not expected for these grizzlies or others to remain in the area, sightings may become more and more frequent as populations expand.

Grizzly bears are still a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act, and final authority regarding

management of this species falls under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The state of Montana cannot establish hunting seasons or limit population numbers until grizzly bears are taken off the endangered species list.

At this public meeting, area FWP bear management specialist Wesley Sarmento will give a presentation on the background of grizzly bears in Montana, how the department manages grizzly bear conflict, and the challenges of grizzly expansion on the prairies east of the Rocky Mountain Front.

In addition, Sarmento will explain what to do during a bear encounter, how to safely deter a bear using non-lethal tools and how to secure attractants and prevent a bear from being drawn into agricultural operations and residences. He will also cover other tips to keep people safe around bears, including:

• Homeowners should remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food.

• Homeowners should stay at least 100 yards away from wildlife and try to haze animals off their property with hard-sided vehicles and loud noises.

• Chickens and other small livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door.

• Domestic fruit should be picked up as soon as possible.

• Recreationists are urged to "Be Bear Aware" and follow precautionary steps to prevent conflicts, including carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, and traveling in groups while making noise.

If you see a bear near your residence in central or north central Montana, please report the activity as soon as possible to Sarmento at 406-450-1097, Chad White at 406-788-4755, or your local FWP office.

FWP ensures that its meetings are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. To request special accommodations for this meeting or for more information, please call 406-228-3700.