“Bear” Necessities: How Stay Bear Aware in Missoula
Living in “Zoo Town” can be quite untamed at times. Missoula has its share of wildlife, and is coyote, cougar, and bear (Oh my!) habitat. Yes, I said bears. And I am not referring to Monte and your fellow “Grizzlies” roaming campus, but real bears who eat almost anything and hibernate (though I have been known to do both on weekends). Therefore, it is important to know how to properly dispose of waste to avoid attracting bears to your residence.
Missoula has black bears, who sometimes visit in search of food. Though there has rarely if ever been direct conflict between humans and bears in Missoula, it is still important to take proper safety precautions for both humans and bears. According to bebearaware.org, steps that should be taken to deter bears include:
· If a bear or wild animal repeatedly enters your yard, determine what attractants may be drawing them here and remove them.
· Put out the garbage on the day of pick up, not the night before. Store the trash in a sturdy building or place it in an approved bear-resistant trash receptacle.
· Do not leave pet food out. Hang bird feeders from a pulley system out of a bear’s reach. Take them down April through November.
· Pick ripe fruit from fruit trees promptly and keep ground clear of fallen fruit.
· Keep barbeques clean and grease-free. Store with livestock/pet feed and other attractants inside a sturdy building.
· Place children’s play area close to your house with viewable space around it.
· Do not put meat, fish, or other pungent scraps in compost piles. Add lime to reduce odors and accelerate decomposition.
· Electric fences are an effective way to keep bears and other animals out of orchards, gardens, compost piles, and beehives.
· Do not feed deer or other wildlife; it can attract bears, cougars, and coyotes.
It is important to remember that even though bears rarely attack humans if unprovoked, keeping a safe distance from them and other wildlife is advised; social distancing applies in nature too. Bears and other wildlife are not our pets and therefore should not be treated as such (even in Oklahoma, and Florida for that matter).
Bears and other wildlife are vital for the health and sustainability of the environment. Their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem is irreplaceable.
Now that hibernation is ending for bears, being bear aware matters more than ever. Summer starts soon, and many of us plan to take advantage of all the outdoor recreation activities Montana has to offer, which for some means venturing deep into bear territory, including grizzly country. It is important to always carry bear spray and have it immediately accessible, as well as know how to use it. Hiking in groups is preferred and knowing how to camp safely is important. Knowing what to do in case of a bear encounter is also important and being able to distinguish the type of bear matters.
Bears and other wildlife are vital for the health and sustainability of the environment. Their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem is irreplaceable. Supporting conservation efforts can help protect them, and as a result, us as well.
