HELENA – In 2023, Gov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed September as Bear Aware Month. Part of the proclamation stated:
- WHEREAS, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, federal agencies, tribal governments, and partners in the conservation and agriculture community work together to help communities and landowners avoid bear conflicts and manage conflicts where they occur.
- WHEREAS, promoting bear awareness to minimize conflicts with grizzly bears through education and outreach is a community effort.
FWP continues to honor that proclamation by focusing communication and education efforts during the month of September on making Montana residents, visitors and communities more bear aware.
As part of Bear Aware Month, FWP offices will take old bear spray cans throughout September. Expired or partially used bear spray canisters aren’t safe to simply toss in the trash, and over time many Montanans end up with a box full of old cans gathering dust.
Swing by one of FWP’s offices to take advantage of this short-term opportunity while it’s available and help free up space in your basement or closet in the process. Then buy a new can and have it ready for hunting season and other recreational activities this fall.
When you drop off your old canisters, you can enter to win a bear spray storage canister.
Here is a list of September Bear Aware events across the state:
Sept. 1 – Missoula, Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Road, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kick off Bear Aware Month. Learn bear safety tips for the outdoor activities you do and how to keep your yard bear resistant. Plus, practice using inert bear spray cans with our remote-controlled charging bear. This event is free and no registration is required.
Sept. 1 – Whitefish, Whitefish Farmers Market, 5 to 7 p.m. Learn bear safety tips for recreating in bear country and practice using inert bear spray.
Sept. 3 – Ulm, Ulm Fire Hall, 29 Old U.S. Highway 91, 6 p.m. Bear aware and safety workshop. This event is free and no registration is required.
Sept. 3 – Bozeman, Region 3 Headquarters, 1400 S. 19th Avenue, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will include lectures on the hour and displays, including grizzly bear and black bear full-body mounts, skulls, tracks, food storage options, bear spray holsters, and a bear spray target. Participants will have the unique opportunity to practice using inert bear spray in a simulated charging bear demonstration, weather permitting. FWP staff will be available to discuss safety practices for bear country, bear biology and how to handle bear encounters. They will provide in-depth training on how to carry and use bear spray. This event is family friendly, and everyone is welcome. Visitors should leave their personal bear spray at home.
Sept. 8-11 – Kalispell, FWP will accept fruit donations from landowners gleaning or removing fruit from their properties. The fruit drive is an opportunity for the public to help reduce bear attractants while also supporting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Community members are invited to drop off fruit from their properties at the FWP office at 490 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell. Donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Sept. 12 – Whitefish, North Valley Food Bank Harvest Fest, 12 – 2 p.m. Learn about safely recreating in bear country and tips for how to secure attractants around your home.
Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29 – Kalispell, Region 1 Headquarters, 490 N Meridian Road, 3 to 5 p.m. Stop by any time during these office hours for bear safety tips and to practice with inert bear spray.
Sept. 16 – Missoula, Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Road, 4 to 6 p.m. Stop by the Missoula FWP office this summer during open “bear aware office hours.” We’ll be on hand during these times to answer questions and share bear safety tips. Plus, practice using inert bear spray with a charging robo bear. This event is free and no registration is required.
Sept. 17 – Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell, 6:30 p.m. Learn about recreating safely in bear country. Learn how to recognize bear activity, prevent conflicts, respond to encounters and use bear spray safely. This event is free and no registration is required.