Grizzly bear populations are expanding from the Rocky Mountain Front onto the Montana prairie, resulting in more frequent encounters with livestock and hunters. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) agents recently hazed as many as 10 grizzlies near Choteau after rancher Neal Collins reported seeing six bears in a calving lot.
Why are grizzlies moving onto the Montana prairie?
Bears are traveling from the Rocky Mountain Front onto the prairie by following the Teton River, which flows past Choteau. According to Chad White, a bear management specialist with Montana FWP, the animals are likely seeking green vegetation and other natural food sources.
The bears appear to be using brush patches along the river for shelter. White suggested that the property where the encounter occurred may provide natural shelter for daytime bedding while the bears travel through the area.
While modern grizzly populations are typically associated with mountain habitats, they were originally a Great Plains species. They were driven into the mountains as the West was settled, but recent decades have seen their numbers grow and their range expand across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Grizzly bears were once native to the Great Plains. They have been pushing further onto the prairies in recent years as their populations expand across the Mountain West.
How did Montana FWP respond to the Choteau bear sighting?
The encounter began late Monday night when rancher Neal Collins was alerted by his dog’s frantic barking. After investigating, Collins saw a “flash of a bear” and retreated into his home. A camera mounted on the back of his barn captured video and photos of six grizzlies in his calving lot.
The following morning, FWP agents arrived to manage the situation. White stated that agents used non-lethal “cracker” shells to haze the bears. These shells contain a small explosive charge with a delayed fuse designed to explode in the air and ward off predators like bears and wolves.
The hazing was effective. White reported that the initial group of six or seven bears ran off in one direction, while two or three additional bears fled in another. In total, as many as 10 grizzlies were driven out of the brush patches across the road from Collins’ ranch.
What are the risks for ranchers and hunters?
While Collins reported that no livestock or people were attacked during this specific incident, he noted that the presence of bears affects his operations. He said that while he hasn’t lost cattle to bears yet, they “stir them up” as they move through the herds.
This trend mirrors observations in neighboring states. In Wyoming, grizzly attacks on cattle are frequently listed as a leading cause of human-bear conflict.
Local hunters are also facing increased risks. Sparky Wallace, a local horse trainer and saddle maker, noted that even when hunting in small prairie potholes, duck hunters must be “loaded and ready for bears.”
Safety concerns have been documented in the region. In 2023, run-ins were reported between bird and whitetail deer hunters near the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, located between Choteau and Fairfield. Collins also recalled an incident from several years ago where a bird hunter had to shoot and kill a charging grizzly near his property.
In areas with increasing grizzly activity, such as North-central Montana, experienced locals recommend walking into brush or prairie potholes with firearms loaded and ready.
Comparing Bear Activity: Past vs. Present
The shift in bear presence is noticeable to long-term residents. Collins noted that his father, now in his 70s, rarely saw a grizzly near Choteau. Today, however, the bears have become a common sight on the prairie.
| Era | Grizzly Presence in Choteau Area |
|---|---|
| Previous Decades | Rarely seen near the Choteau prairie; primarily mountain-based. |
| Current Trend | Increasingly common; moving from mountains to prairie via river corridors. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cracker shells used for?
Cracker shells are non-lethal tools used by wildlife officials. They fire a small explosive charge that explodes in the air to scare off predators like bears and wolves without causing permanent harm.
Are grizzlies moving into new territories?
Yes. Grizzly populations are expanding their range in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, often pushing further onto the prairies than in previous generations.
How can I stay safe around grizzlies?
Local residents and hunters suggest remaining vigilant, especially when entering brush or “pothole” areas, and ensuring you are prepared with appropriate deterrents or firearms.
What do you think about the growing grizzly population on the Montana prairie? Let us know in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more regional wildlife updates.
