Bear Sighting in Uptown Butte – Here’s what to do if you see them
Here in Montana, we are very familiar with wildlife sightings within city limits, particularly if you live near the outskirts of town. Deer are commonplace. It's not even uncommon for the occasional moose to wander into town, although it will certainly raise a few eyebrows and be discussed on social media. But on a rare occasion, a predator will arrive and that's when people really start talking. That is what is happening in Uptown Butte this morning.
In a media release, Sheriff Ed Lester said the cubs were last seen in the area of West Elementary and the sow near Steel and Montrose streets. The bears have been feeding on garbage cans in the area. Police and Game Wardens are in the area and monitoring the situation.
But what should you or your family do if you come across the bears:
- REMAIN CALM AND DO NOT APPROACH THE BEARS. Maintain a safe distance and avoid startling or provoking them.
- SECURE FOOD SOURCES. Bears are attracted to easily accessible food. Ensure trash cans, pet food and bird feeders are secured indoors or in bear-proof containers.
- MAKE NOISE. If you need to go outside, make noise to alert the bears to your presence.
- KEEP ALL PETS INSIDE. Pets can provoke the bear or even be seen as a food source. Keep your animals inside until you are sure the bears have left the area.
- AVOID DIRECT EYE CONTACT. If you see the bears, avoid direct eye contact as they may perceive this as a threat. Attempt to appear as nonthreatening as possible.
- IF THE BEAR APPROACHES, or appears aggressive, make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms and standing tall. Make noises and back away slowly without turning your back on the bear.
- REPORT THE SIGHTING TO AUTHORITIES. Please let the police or FWP department in on the time and location in which you spotted the bears.
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