As snow disappears in early spring hungry bears leave their winter dens. Early spring offers the promise of abundant bear foods, but yields no such benefit until grasses grow, bulbs sprout and flowers bloom. Fall in Montana is also another critical period for bears. If fall food sources are limited, the bears are often drawn into residential areas. Although bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, their need for food and their fondness for sunflower seeds, often draws them to residential areas and bird feeders.
Bird feeders are the number one reason for human-bear conflict in Montana.
Complete your bird feeding activities by April 1st each year. This, coupled with their strength and agility, make it very difficult if not impossible to establish bear proof bird feeders. Bears are one of Montana s most magnificent large mammals. Although bears are shy and usually avoid humans, they are also opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when there are little natural foods available. Their keen sense of smell can lead them to trouble - both for themselves and humans.