“Living with Wildlife – A Neighbor’s Guide to Living Responsibly in the Flathead”
Living in the Flathead means sharing space with some of Montana’s most iconic wildlife – from grizzly bears and elk to migratory birds and native trout. This ‘Living with Wildlife’ handout is now available, offering key information and resources to help you live responsibly, safely, and in harmony with wildlife.
From keeping pets and bird feeders safe to protecting native species and navigating bear country, this beautifully designed handout offers practical tips for coexisting with wildlife in our shared landscapes. Whether you’re a homeowner, recreator, or just a nature lover, you’ll find actionable advice and local resources to help protect the incredible biodiversity of the Flathead.
This easy-to-download PDF complements the online Living in the Flathead guide and is packed with tips on reducing conflicts, protecting habitat, and and helping keep wildlife wild. The handout was created by the Flathead Lakers in collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Flathead Audubon, and People & Carnivores. Download the handout and explore more resources at www.livinginflathead.org/living-with-wildlife.
Living with Wildlife
Seeing a bear is a memorable experience, but the survival of these magnificent creatures greatly depends on your actions. It’s important in bear country to be bear aware at home, at work, and while recreating. Depending on where you are and what you’re doing, different strategies will help you stay safe, and bears wild.
What to know before you recreate in bear country
Learn about bear activity before you go. Check out information at trail heads, visitors centers, and Facebook before you hike or hunt in an area. Carry EPA-approved bear spray and KNOW HOW TO USE IT. It is important you know how to use it before you have to use it. Make noise. Loud noise is a simple, effective way to deter a bear.
What do I do in a bear encounter?
Carry bear spray in bear habitat. Stay calm, most bear encounters do not result in an attack. Never run away. Running may trigger a bear to chase and you cannot outrun a bear. If you see a bear, stop, and watch it so you can determine its behavior and have your bear spray ready. If the bear makes physical contact and you can’t deploy bear spray, drop to the ground face down, in a cannonball position, and play dead. Cover your neck and head with your hands.
How do I use bear spray?
Bear spray is a highly effective, non-lethal deterrent, as it temporarily incapacitates a bear when sprayed properly. Keep the safety lock on unless you think you may need to discharge the spray. If you need to discharge your bear spray, remove the safety and spray before the bear reaches you so that it runs into the cloud of spray, about 2-3 seconds or until the bear is affected. Point slightly downwards, as a charging bear will be low to the ground. Watch this video from the Glacier Institute on How to Spray Bear Spray.
If you encounter a bear displaying aggressive or defensive behavior, or if a bear gains access to a food attractant, please report it by calling Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at (406) 752-5501; USDA Wildlife Services for bear-livestock conflicts at (406) 657-6464; or the Confederated Tribes at (406) 275-2774.
Protecting the land, water, and places we love together.
