Grizzly bears emerging in northern Rockies
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Grizzly bears are beginning to wake up in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear manager Mike Madel says most bears typically emerge from their dens in April or May.
But Madel tells the Great Falls Tribune that in recent years, a slight trend of bears entering dens later in the fall and leaving dens earlier in the spring has been documented.
Officials at Glacier National Park have no reports of grizzlies being out yet, while Yellowstone National Park has confirmed reports of grizzly bear activity since March 4.
Bears emerging from dens now are searching for food.
Madel says those who recreate in the backcountry, ranchers and rural residents should be aware that bears are around again so conflicts can be prevented.