Berries Vanish, Bad News Bears Back in Missoula, Kalispell
Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks say Montana's poor huckleberry crop is bringing out the bad behavior in bears, as they've seen a spike in reports of hungry bears being driven into neighborhoods to search for food.
FWP offices in both Kalispell and Missoula report a high number of bear calls in the region. As bears enter hyperphagia to build up fat reserves for winter, wildlife officials warn that calls are likely to increase.
That's a problem this year, with dry conditions hitting this summer's berry growth, especially huckleberries. That's similar to 2022, which was also full of reports of bear conflicts.
READ MORE: Montana's Huckleberries Are Here, And So Are the Bears
"We really need your help this year,” said FWP Conflict Specialist Justine Vallieres. “We live in an area with a high density of both black and grizzly bears, and when natural food sources are low, the chance for conflict increases."
Jamie Jonkel, FWP's expert in Missoula, has said he's handled hundreds of complaints in the past few weeks.
"Being proactive about securing attractants can make a big difference, because even if you haven’t had a bear visit before, there’s always a chance one could pass through," Vallieres explains.
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FWP is urging residents to secure attractants like garbage, bird feeders, and fruit trees to prevent conflict. The biologists say bears are "resourceful and highly food motivated," so taking actions like using bear-resistant garbage cans (which are required in some Missoula neighborhoods), taking down bird feeders, clearing fruit trees, or even protecting them with fencing can make a difference. Pet food that's left out can also be a snack to hungry bears.
☎️ Anyone experiencing bear issues is asked to contact wildlife officials early so they can help address potential problems.