Over the past couple of weeks, more and more bears have been spotted roaming the Missoula area. In fact, a small black bear was sighted near Hellgate just last Thursday, Sep. 15th. A few students noticed the bear climbing a tree on campus. Bears have also been reported at the University of Montana, the Missoula Hipstrip, the upper Rattlesnake, as well as all the neighborhoods surrounding Missoula. 

Eric Anderson, the facilities manager at the University of Montana Biological Station, has noticed bears roaming the Flathead area as well. “We have seen a slightly earlier than normal activity of bears around the bio station this fall,” said Anderson.

All this sudden bear activity leaves many wondering, what is drawing the bears into the city? A recent update posted to missoulabears.org on Aug. 31 affirms that the recent bear activity indicates there is likely a regionally localized, natural food failure. The bears are in hyperphagia and seeking other food sources to replace the natural foods they may be having trouble finding. Anderson explained, “Hyperphagia is (the process by which) the bears go into a bit of a ‘feeding frenzy’ in preparation for winter and hibernation.” This means that they are moving a lot and as a result getting into garbage, bird feeders, and other human-related food sources. 

“It is very important that you look around your property and secure any attractants now. Do not put garbage out until the morning of pickup or store in a bear-resistant manner, take down all bird feeders, and make sure pet and livestock feed is secured,” Missoula Bears advises. 

In addition, “Pay attention to your surroundings and carry bear mace if you go hiking in the area,” advised Anderson.