Montana Grizzly Bears, Pictures

If you are visiting Big Sky during the prime winter months to enjoy fantastic skiing, you will unfortunately be missing Montana's most recognizable large mammal, the bear.

Going into hibernation around early November, Black and Grizzly Bears den up until around early April, depending on spring temperatures and snow levels. To get them through the winter months, bears eat voraciously to store fat in the weeks prior to going underground. Once they arise from their slumber, they go on an eating binge looking for any and every form of spring sprout, wild mushroom or insect they can find.

In and around Big Sky, bear lovers may have chances to see both black and grizzly species, especially in timbered areas and meadows above 7000 feet. On average, grizzly are more shy, and tend to stay in the backcountry more often relative to their cousins, the black bear. It is not uncommon, even in midday, to run into the occasional black bear on a forested trail around the ski resorts and popular timber roads that encircle the Big Sky community.

It is important for all hikers to the area to, as a precaution, keep some form of bear repellent with them at all times when in the backcountry. This rule is not just for Yellowstone Park, but is a good rule of thumb even near populated resort areas. If you are hiking or along a stream or river, and come upon a small bear cub, what should you do?

1. Get out your camera and take a picture?
2. Walk up to it and pet it?
3. Immediately stop, look around, and try to spot the cub's mother (known as a sow) before it spots you, and slowly walk away, always keeping eye contact with the animals as you depart?

The answer to the above question is #3. Most bear altercations happen because the bear(s) did not hear humans approaching and were caught in a situation where humans found themselves between a sow and her cubs. To help avoid this situation to begin with, try making noise or having bells or other sound-generating devices on you while traveling in the backcountry. The earlier the bears hear you, the more likely they will avoid you altogether.