October 26, 2009, 2:36 pm
With the general rifle season opening on Sunday for big game
across Montana, state and federal agencies are urging hunters to be
bear aware.
Yellowstone National Park, the Forest Service and Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks each issued the same statement urging people to
be cautious during this time of year, when black and grizzly bears
are actively feeding before denning for the winter.
"Bears are moving up and down in elevation and moving along river
valley bottoms looking for calories - fruits and vegetables,
unsecured food in residential areas (pet food, garbage, bird
feeders), and carcasses from hunter harvests," the joint statement
noted.
"Hikers, campers, hunters - all recreationists - should use care
and be familiar with how to avoid encounters in bear
country."
The agencies' warning carries extra urgency this year after
Yellowstone's grizzly bear population was put back on the
endangered species list.
Some of the tips to avoid bear encounters include:
•Always carry bear pepper spray, have it close at hand, and know
how to use it.
•If you are going to be alone in bear country, let someone know
your detailed plans; better yet, don't go alone.
•Be alert to signs of bear activity. Think in advance about what
you would do in the event of an encounter.
•Make noise as you travel.
•Cook any meals at least 100 yards from any backcountry
campsites.
•Store any attractants, including game carcasses, at least 100
yards from any backcountry campsite.
•After making a kill, hunters should get the carcass out of the
area as quickly as possible; while field dressing, keep a can of
bear pepper spray within easy reach; use special precautions if you
must leave and return to a carcass, including placing the carcass
where you can easily observe it from a distance when you return. Do
not attempt to frighten away or haze a bear that is near or feeding
on a carcass.
The Gallatin National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District on the
Custer National Forest, and Yellowstone National Park require all
attractants be stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-resistant
containers, or be hung above the ground out of the reach of
wildlife.
Food, cooking utensils and garbage may not be left outside at any
time unless in immediate use.
In Yellowstone National Park, regulations require visitors to stay
at least 100 yards away from bears at all times.
