Are there grizzly bears in Kalispell Montana?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 24, 2026
KALISPELL — In a matter of five days, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' specialists captured three grizzly bears in the greater Flathead Valley. Attempts to capture three other bears were unsuccessful. All but two of the bears were accessing human-related food sources and at risk of becoming food conditioned.
Are there grizzly bears in Kalispell?
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) bear management specialists euthanized a pair of grizzly bears after numerous depredations on llamas, sheep, goat, and chickens over time near Whitefish. FWP specialists captured an adult female grizzly bear on May 31 and its yearling on June 1 in the Haskill Basin area.
Where are most grizzly bears in Montana?
MISSOULA — Montana is home to grizzly bears - reaching heights up to eight feet tall and weighing up to 800 pounds, among the largest omnivores in North America.
Are there grizzly bears at Flathead Lake?
Your Flathead National Forest is home to both black and grizzly bears.
How common are grizzly bear attacks in Glacier National Park?
Although there is a significant bear population in Glacier National Park, bear attacks are very rare and only two have been fatal in the past thirty years! Both incidents occurred when a lone hiker stumbled upon a mother and two cubs. All that to say, keeping distance is vital, and hiking within groups is always safer.
45 related questions foundWhat national park has the most grizzly bears?
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is arguably the most important refuge of grizzly bears in the contiguous United States, a region home to vast undeveloped wilderness areas and plenty of food sources. The Yellowstone National Park grizzly bear population consists of approximately 150 individual grizzlies.
What to do if you see a grizzly bear?
Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
Where do grizzlies live in Montana?
Although they've been on the endangered species list for decades, grizzly bears have always found refuge on Montana's Rocky Mountain Front—a pristine landscape made up of mostly private ranchlands.
Are there grizzlies in Red Lodge Montana?
Grizzly bears are relatively common in the mountains and hills around Red Lodge, and sometimes these bears will frequent areas around town where they can find food, especially seasonal food crops, like berries.
How many grizzly bears are left in Montana?
According to the Vital Ground Foundation, the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem is home to approximately 1,000 grizzly bears. It covers approximately 16,000 square miles in Northwestern Montana.
Which state has the most grizzly bears?
Which state has the most grizzly bears? Alaska has the most grizzlies by far. It has 30,000 and is the only state where they are not listed as endangered.
Can you shoot a grizzly bear in Montana?
Grizzly bears are listed as an endangered species in the continental U.S. Montana law, however, says it's legal to kill a grizzly in self-defense or if the bear is attacking livestock, according to the Montana Free Press.
How many bear attacks happen in Montana?
Montana is prime bear country. The area along the Continental Divide that includes Glacier National Park has seen 11 fatal bear attacks in the last 50 years.
Do grizzly bears hibernate in Montana?
Winter Denning
In Montana, bears typically den for 5 to 6 months during wintertime (approximately November-March). Technically, grizzly bears in Montana do not hibernate. They enter into torpor, which is similar to hibernation, but is more like a deep sleep where the bears can still wake up easily in the den.
Are there bears at Flathead Lake Montana?
But Montana is also bear country, which means when you're recreating, you need to stay bear aware. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports there have been sightings of black bears and even grizzlies throughout the Flathead Valley recently.
How many black bears live in Montana?
Montana has around 15,000 black bears. However, state wildlife officials believe the population might be even larger than previously estimated. The state also has the largest grizzly population in the country after Alaska.
Are there grizzly bears in the Bob Marshall wilderness?
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is also well known for being prime grizzly bear habitat, with a population density of species considered to be one of the highest in the lower 48 states outside of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem according to the National Park Service.
Are there grizzlies in Big Sky Montana?
Montana is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Our bears are most active between March through October. You can prevent conflicts between bears and people by removing or securing common bear attractants such as food, trash, coolers, and grills. In Big Sky, bear conflicts have tripled in the last 20 years.
Where can you find grizzly bears in the US?
RANGE: Grizzly bears are found today in Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and possibly southern Colorado, as well as in western Canada. Historically they ranged from Alaska to Mexico and from the Pacific Ocean to the Mississippi River, but their numbers were vastly reduced by western expansion.
Are black bears in Montana?
Discover Western Montana's Black Bears
They can range from black to brown and blond to cinnamon. They have a straight snout, with their highest point being at the rump instead of the shoulders (like a grizzly). A male black bear weighs between 18 and 250 pounds, with some reaching up to 400 pounds.
How fast can a grizzly bear run?
Grizzly bears are not to be messed with
They can run as fast as 35 miles per hour—faster than the top speed of an Olympic sprinter—and stand as tall as 8 feet when on their hind legs.
Are there moose in Montana?
Moose occupy forested landscapes throughout western Montana ranging from regenerating areas within dense mesic forest, such as the Cabinet Mountains in the northwest, to areas with extensive willow fen habitat, as found within the Centennial and Big Hole valleys in the southwest.
Should you yell at a grizzly bear?
Don't scream or yell. Speak in a soft monotone voice and wave your arms to let the animal know you are human. If you have pepper spray, prepare to use it. If the grizzly charges to within 25 feet of where you're standing, use the spray.
What do you do if a bear charges you?
When the bear charges you, hold your ground and stay calm. After the bear charges, slowly retreat while keeping an eye on the bear. Let the bear know that you're a human, and that you aren't a threat. Continue to speak to the bear in a calm voice and make it clear that you are a human.
Do bears eat humans?
No, bears usually don't eat humans. While bears do eat meat, they tend to stay away from humans, like most other wild animals. Humans are not part of a bear's typical diet.