Bears exit hibernation, expert says to clean-up

MINERAL COUNTY - As spring nears, many black bears in Mineral County are starting to wake from hibernation.

Even though lingering cold weather has kept deep snow in the higher elevation mountains, some bears may start to pop out before it gets warmer but most are still in hibernation, said a wildlife specialist. 

“The bears come down to lower elevations for the greens, and it usually doesn’t create a problem,” said James Jonkel, wildlife management specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “Ninety percent of issues are at houses with lots of trash around, or bird feeders lying around.” 

Although there have been no reports of issues yet, Jonkel said once bears learn of a particular garbage can that may contain food, the animal could develop a sense to come back.

“After May 1 they should be coming out in full force,” Jonkel said. “It’s time to clean up everything now before they come out.”

After May, most of the issues that arise are chickens that are roaming people’s yards and aren’t caged, he said. “If you have them roaming, you’re going to lose them,” Jonkel said. 

Jonkel encourages the public to visit missoulabears.org where Mineral County residents can report electronically if there is a problematic bear, or just read tips on how to keep them away from homes. There is also an incentive program on electric fences to help keep the animals away.

Typically Mineral County will just deal with the black bear population, although in rare cases a grizzly can be spotted looking for food as well. The public is urged to take the proper precautions and keep neighborhoods clean. 

If encountering a bear, the best course of action is to stay away and it will find its way back to its habitat. Although in some cases it may need to be extracted from the area altogether which would warrant a call to the FWP, Montana Department of Natural Resources, or police in extreme cases.

Bears are just looking for ways to feed after a long winter and any problems around homes can likely be prevented with a few easy steps. 

Some tips for consideration:

- Clean chicken coops regularly 

- Pick fruit trees and keep the ground around the tree as clear as possible

- Make sure pet food is inside

- Throw dead animals or cattle away from houses or farms

- Do not leave food from picnics or barbeques unattended 

- Keep all trash locked away until pickup day

- Gardens are generally OK from bears even if not fenced in. However, electric fencing is recommended for maximum protection.

- Compost piles are not recommended. If piles need to be used then it should be fenced with an electric system

- Do not leave food or groceries in a vehicle even if locked as bears have been known to break windows or pry doors open

- Horse pellets are very attractive to bears as is corn, oats and barley mixed with molasses. These materials should be locked down in 55 gallon drums and secured in a barn, garage or shed.