Summer season is in full swing, and the bears are active! Recent sightings, disturbances and more remind us that we share the outdoors, and must be bear aware! 

With the tragic death of a women killed in a bear encounter, grizzly bears being active in unfamiliar areas and continuing to expand throughout Montana, it is important to know how to protect yourself and others while exploring. 

Here are our suggestions for moving through bear country safely and responsibly! 

Recreating: Practice safety when adventuring outdoors and enjoying the summer weather! 

• Stay alert, be on the lookout for bear activity (especially when visibility or hearing is limited) 
• Travel in a group & keep everyone together (especially kids) 
• Make noise whenever possible, this will help avoid surprising a bear 
• Carry bear spray! Keep it close and in an easy accessible area. Don't have bear spray? - Rent a can today!
• Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk (this is when bears are most active)

Camping: Camping is always a fun activity & encourages you to explore nature! But, you need to be cautious of being in bear country 

• Keep food and scented items out of tents 
• Dispose of garbage in bear resistant bins - otherwise take it and dispose of it properly (don't burn or bury trash) 
• Follow local food storage orders when storing food and scented items 
• Carry bear spray! Keep it close and in an easy accessible area.

Mountain biking, trail runners and OHV users: Practice safety when riding and running 

• Anyone traveling quickly (biking & running) can be at higher risk of surprising a bear 
• Slow down and look ahead, especially in areas where visibility is low 
• Travel in groups & during daylight 
• Make noise periodically - say "hey bear" 
• Carry bear spray! Keep it close and in an easy accessible area. 

These safety tips and suggestions should ensure you have bear defense skills and are prepared for adventuring in and throughout bear country! 

Read more about bear safety and how to be safe this summer here

📷: Pebble Creek Campground
NPS / Jacob W. Frank