Bears are emerging from dens
Residents advised to secure attractants
by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
April 6, 2010
Bears are just beginning to emerge from dens. Biologists say that males emerge earlier than females, grizzlies earlier than black bears; with the warming weather, more bears will be emerging in the coming weeks.
FWP Bear and Lion Specialist Erik Wenum urges all residents to secure garbage and all attractants. Bird feeders, if they are still up, should be taken in. If a bear is attracted to your property, Wenum advises scaring the bear off with loud noises like banging pots and pans. Wenum asks residents to report any bear activity so that he can monitor problems in each area.
After a bear emerges, it takes a few weeks for its digestive system to get back to normal; the bear has been in the den for 4-5 months without eating, defecating, or urinating; the stomach and digestive system is empty. The bear starts out eating dry grass or roughage to activate the digestive system.
Hikers should carry pepper spray because grizzlies could be encountered.
To report bear activity, call FWP at 406-752-5501 on weekdays.
|
