BEARS
BEAR ENCOUNTERS
• It is important to stand still when initially encountering a bear. Do not run. This can cause the bear to pursue you and they are much faster than you are. You cannot outrun a bear.
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• Give bears their space. Never approach a bear.
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• Bears will sometimes bluff charge, meaning they will run at you and turn away at the last moment.
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• If you are being attacked by a bear and you don't have access to your bear spray, play dead by getting face down on the ground and protecting the back of your neck with your hands.
BOTH GRIZZLY BEARS AND BLACK BEARS ARE PRESENT IN THE GREATER BIG SKY AREA
GRIZZLIES (Ursus arctos horrilibis)
• These bears are adapted for massive strength, quickness and running speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
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• Grizzlies can live more than 30 years.
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• Twin cubs are born more often than single cubs. Triplets are not uncommon.
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• Female grizzlies are very protective of their young.
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BLACK BEARS (Ursus americanas)
• The range of black bears is broad, expanding from most of Canada down to Mexico, with a high prevalence in the Rocky Mountain states.
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• Black bears are very proficient climbers and are known to sleep in the branches of trees.
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• They are omnivorous, with a diet consisting of leafy plants, grasses, berries, insects, fish and meat.
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEARS IN MONTANA, CLICK THIS LINK.