For the second year in a row, Grizzle Bears have been seen in the Big Sandy area. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks presented a Grizzle Bear informational meeting in Big Sandy. There were three representatives present at the meeting, including Wesley Sarmento, Bear Management Specialist from Conrad Montana. Thirty residences of Big Sandy attended the meeting.
We will be having more sightings of Grizzly Bears in the future as they leave the Rocky Mountain Front. If you ever see a Grizzle Bear, report it immediately. The phone number of the FWP headquarters in Great Falls is 406-454-5840. You can also call Wesley Sarmento’s cell number at 406-450-1097.
Do not go towards a bear at all unless you are in a hard surface vehicle. If you would like to start getting ready for bears in the area, there are some tools you can do to deter bears, according to the pamphlet “Living with Grizzlies.” “Place an electric fence around gardens, fruit trees, berry bushes, or cornfields. Small livestock should be secured with an electric fence as well. Creep feeders, molasses, and mineral blocks should be placed in open areas where livestock can easily view the area. Secure vulnerable livestock, calving, and lambing areas away from riparian areas a heavy shrub/tree cover from spring to fall. Grizzly bears are more active, and livestock is more vulnerable. Electric fences around non-removable attractants, such as birthing grounds, sheep-bedding areas, and bee apiaries. Purchase livestock guard dogs. A hard-sided barn with a locking/latching door should be used. Screws facing outward should be sued on grain silo doors. A steel drum with a locking lid or another certified bear-resistant container is recommended. Purchase and have available a propane gun. Maintain shelterbelts/windrows help prevent bears from using them as bedding areas.”
Continued to be recommended is “store and remove attractants such as grain spills, food waste, and scented products. Place tarps under loaders when transferring grain to prevent spills. Grain bags are particularly vulnerable but can be easily secured with an electric fence. Do not leave out pet food or livestock feed and supplements. Dispose of carcasses and after birth through sanitation services, inside an electrified boneyard, or distribution away from people, buildings, and livestock. Electric fences can be placed around fresh carcasses and bone plies until they can be permanently removed. FWP can assist with design and installation. Partial cost reimbursement programs are available.”
