Yes, grizzly bears are present in Montana, which remains one of the few places in the contiguous United States where these large carnivores still roam. The species was once widespread across the western half of the continent but was pushed to isolated, low-density pockets by the mid-20th century. Montana’s vast, intact ecosystems provided the habitat necessary for their eventual recovery. The presence of the grizzly bear is a testament to one of the most successful conservation efforts in North American history, establishing the state as the stronghold for the species south of Canada.
Current Distribution and Population Estimates
Montana hosts the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states, with the majority concentrated in two distinct recovery zones. The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE), which includes the area around Glacier National Park, is the largest population center, estimated to hold approximately 1,100 bears. This population occupies an expansive range, with over 55,650 square kilometers of occupied habitat falling within Montana’s borders.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is the second major population, with estimates ranging between 700 and 1,000 bears across the tri-state area of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Around 18,100 square kilometers of the GYE’s occupied range extends into southwestern Montana. Smaller, more isolated groups exist in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem (CYE) in the state’s northwest corner, which contains an estimated 55 bears.
The expanding numbers have resulted in the bears naturally moving into areas they have not occupied for decades. This range expansion is a sign of ecological recovery but also presents new management challenges as the animals move beyond protected wilderness areas.
Practical Safety Measures for Visitors
Individuals recreating in Montana’s bear country must adopt specific behaviors to minimize the risk of human-bear encounters. The first line of defense is to carry bear spray, a highly concentrated form of capsaicin deployed as an airborne deterrent. Bear spray must be carried in an easily accessible holster, not inside a backpack. It should be deployed when a charging bear is within 30 to 60 feet, aiming slightly downward to create a cloud the bear runs through.
Preventing a surprise encounter is the most effective safety strategy, which means making noise while hiking, especially near blind corners, thick brush, or rushing water that can mask human presence. Hikers should yell out periodically with a loud voice, such as “Hey bear,” to alert animals to their approach. Traveling in groups is also recommended, as studies show that people hiking alone or in pairs account for the vast majority of bear-related injuries.
Properly storing all attractants is equally important, as bears that obtain human food can become habituated, leading to increased conflict. All scented items must be secured 24 hours a day. In the backcountry, this means:
- Hanging items at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk.
- Storing them in certified bear-resistant containers.
Scented items include food, garbage, cooking gear, cosmetics, and toothpaste.
The Grizzly Bear’s Protected Status
The grizzly bear in the lower 48 states has been listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1975. This listing provided the necessary legal framework and funding for recovery efforts, focusing on reducing human-caused mortality and conserving core habitat areas. The establishment of recovery zones and specific conservation strategies were central to this process.
Federal recovery plans established measurable criteria for success, including population thresholds and distribution requirements for breeding females. For instance, the GYE population’s recovery goal required maintaining a minimum of 500 bears and ensuring a certain number of females with cubs are observed annually. Habitat safeguards were also put in place, such as establishing limits on motorized route density (OMRD and TMRD) to ensure secure, undisturbed areas.
These recovery efforts have been successful, with the NCDE and GYE populations meeting or exceeding their demographic recovery goals. Despite this progress, the species maintains its threatened status to ensure the long-term viability of all populations and to facilitate genetic connectivity between the currently isolated ecosystems. The ESA protection remains the legal foundation for the bear’s continued management.
Ongoing Challenges of Coexistence
The success of grizzly bear recovery has inevitably led to increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict as the animals expand into areas with more human development and agricultural activity. The majority of these conflicts revolve around bears accessing unsecured food sources or preying on domestic livestock. Montana’s Livestock Loss Board receives claims for cattle and sheep depredation, a number that fluctuates annually but generally increases with the bear’s expanding range.
While grizzly bears are responsible for a small fraction of overall livestock loss compared to other predators, the issue remains a significant source of social friction between wildlife managers and the agricultural community. Other conflicts tracked by the state include those involving direct human interaction, property damage, and bears accessing unnatural food sources like garbage. These incidents place a growing demand on wildlife agency personnel who are tasked with conflict resolution and bear relocation.
The political debate surrounding the species’ management centers on the question of delisting the NCDE and GYE populations from the ESA. Many state officials argue that since the populations have met recovery targets, management authority should be transferred to the states, which could include implementing regulated hunting seasons. Conservation groups and federal courts have pushed back, citing concerns about ensuring genetic exchange between isolated populations and the need to maintain long-term federal oversight.