As the air gets a little crisper and the days get shorter, it’s not just us who are getting ready for fall in Big Sky. If you're planning a fall adventure, here's what you need to know before you go about our most important neighbors—the bears.
As the seasons change, the bears of Big Sky and the Greater Yellowstone area enter a crucial phase called hyperphagia. This state of excessive eating is a powerful instinct that compels them to consume food almost constantly—sometimes for up to 20 hours a day—packing on the fat reserves they need to survive the long winter. This is why their mission, from late summer through the fall, is to gain hundreds of pounds to prepare for hibernation.
It's during this time that a bear’s nose—which is seven times more powerful than a bloodhound's—is working overtime. They are relentlessly searching for food, and anything with a scent can attract their attention. This isn't limited to human garbage; items such as bird feeders, pet food left on a porch, and even coolers and food stored in your vehicle can all be powerful attractants. This makes it an especially important time for us to be mindful and "bear aware" and help keep our community and our bears safe.
When a bear gets a reward, like an easy snack from a garbage can or a bird feeder, it learns to associate human areas with food. This can quickly lead to a bad habit where they lose their natural fear of people and become food-conditioned. Unfortunately, when a bear learns to rely on human food, it often leads to dangerous situations for both the bear and humans. By being vigilant and keeping our homes and campsites free of attractants, we help ensure that our bears stay wild and can thrive in their natural habitat. It's a simple act of respect that makes a big difference.
Being a good steward of this place means respecting its wild inhabitants. By helping a bear find only natural food sources, you're helping it stay wild and protecting our community at the same time.
Here are a few ways we can help our bears and keep our community safe this fall:
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Secure your trash. Never leave garbage outside overnight. Make sure all trash and recycling are stored in a bear-resistant container or a secure garage.
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Remove the attractants. Remember to take in your bird feeders, pet food, and any other potential snacks that could lure a hungry bear closer to your home.
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Make noise on the trail. When you’re out hiking or berry picking, talk loudly, sing a song, or clap your hands. This lets any bears in the area know you're there and prevents a surprising encounter.
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Always carry bear spray. This is a must-have piece of equipment when hiking in bear country. Ensure it's accessible and that you know how to use it. Bear spray can be rented at the Visitor Center front desk or in the front lobby.
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Hike in with others. There is safety in numbers, as bears are less likely to approach a larger group.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings. Keep an eye out for clues that may indicate that a bear has been active in the area, including bear scat and tracks. Always follow any posted signage, such as trail closure signs.
By working together, we can ensure that we all get to enjoy the magic of Fall in Monana, in the wild spaces we are so proud to protect. For more information and tips about bear and wildlife safety, visit our Recreate Responsibly page.