Bears Awaken Early Across Montana

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With a milder than usual winter and less snowfall, bears in Montana have been emerging from hibernation weeks earlier than normal this year. Both grizzly and black bears are now on the move, seeking out easy food sources like winter kill, roadkill, and human trash as they work to replenish their depleted energy reserves after months of dormancy.

Why it matters

The early awakening of bears poses increased risks for human-bear encounters and conflicts, as the hungry animals search for food in populated areas. Wildlife officials are urging residents to be extra vigilant about securing trash, compost, and other potential bear attractants to avoid dangerous interactions.

The details

Typically, male black bears hibernate from mid-December to mid-March, while females with cubs den from November to mid-April. Grizzly bears generally emerge in early to mid-March, with females and cubs staying denned a bit longer. However, this year's mild winter conditions have led to bears waking up weeks ahead of their normal schedules, with reports of grizzly sightings in Yellowstone as early as late January.

• Black bear males typically hibernate from mid-December to mid-March.
• Black bear females with cubs hibernate from November to mid-April.
• Grizzly bear males typically emerge in early to mid-March.
• Grizzly bear females with cubs den into April or early May.
• This winter was milder than normal, with less snowfall, leading to earlier bear emergence.

What’s next

Wildlife officials are urging residents across Montana to be extra vigilant about securing trash, compost, and other potential bear attractants to avoid dangerous human-bear encounters as the animals emerge from hibernation earlier than normal this year.