Where Do Grizzly Bears Live in Montana?
Grizzly bears live in the western portion of the state of Montana. In the United States, grizzly bears only live in a few select places, especially when you only consider the contiguous US (not including Alaska and Hawaii). One of the few small remaining population centers for grizzly bears is in Montana. As it stands, between 1,800 and 2,000 bears live in the state, a reflection of the hard work Montana has done to protect and help the population recover. In fact, Montana is home to the highest number of grizzly bears populations in the United States besides Alaska. Almost all of the grizzly bear sightings in Montana occur in the western portion of the state, although a few sightings in the far east occasionally occur. Nearly all grizzly bears living in Montana as permanent residents live west of Yellowstone County, the most populous county in the state. This county is found just east of Yellowstone National Park, although it gets its name from the Yellowstone River, which bisects the county, not the park itself. The highest density counties for grizzly bears, roughly from east to west, are Carbon County, Gallatin County (with its southern tip dipping into Yellowstone National Park), Madison County, Lewis and Clark County, Missoula County, Glacier County, Flathead County, Lake County, Park County and Lincoln County.
Grizzly Bear Habitat
Grizzly bears are so large that they require specific habitats in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In Montana, the most common habitats for grizzly bears include meadows, seeps, shrub fields, timber stands, and alpine regions. Generally, the individual grizzly and the time of the year determine which type of habitat they are most likely going to be found in. Before human engagement, grizzly bears were mostly a plains-dwelling species. Humans and their habitation of these zones pushed grizzly bears into more isolated regions. When grizzly bears create their dens (their longer-term homes), they have a certain habitat they prefer. In Montana, grizzly bears will place their dens along the middle to upper one-third of a slope measuring 30-60 degrees with a northern exposure between an elevation of 6,000 to 10,000 feet. This highly specific pattern of behavior has been observed repeatedly, although it isn’t something that all bears do every time they create a den.
Grizzly Bears and Their Historic Range in Montana
Although they are mostly found in the western portions of the state, grizzly bears once had a much larger range. In fact, before humans, grizzly bears could be found in relatively high densities across the entire state of Montana from east to west. Today, their range is mostly restricted to protected regions and national parks along the western portion of the state. As grizzly bear populations recover and further protection is implemented, they may expand further and further east into their historic homeland.
How To Avoid Getting Attacked by a Grizzly Bear in Montana
Despite having some of the highest population densities of grizzly bears in the United States, being attacked by a grizzly is still very unlikely. The vast majority of bears live in Alaska, and those in Montana are mostly concentrated in Glacier and Yellowstone National Park. Still, here are some tips: First, always ensure that you announce your presence when you are in grizzly habitat. Occasionally shouting, yelling, and talking loudly are great ways to let bears know you are in the area. Generally, grizzly bears will avoid you as long as you are there. If you surprise them, however, they could react violently. Second, never approach a bear, especially cubs. Almost all bear attacks are spurred on by a mother with cubs, so if you see cubs, slowly leave the area without running. Once you are away, notify authorities there is a mother with cubs so they can handle it appropriately. If you are camping, ensure proper food storage protocols are followed. If a bear wanders into your camp, it’s interested in food, not you. Storing it correctly can help to reduce any bad interactions that could occur.
Up Next:
Grizzly Bear Population by StateAre There Grizzly Bears in Colorado?Discover the Largest Grizzly Bear Ever!
