KEEP THE WILDLIFE WILD

Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are wild! We share our outdoor spaces with many types of wildlife, including elk, moose, bears, and more. The unique opportunity to coexist with these animals comes with a profound responsibility. To ensure their safety and our own, it's crucial to practice wildlife awareness.

Please help protect these amazing creatures by following the guidelines below. Keep a respectful distance and avoid actions that disrupt their natural behavior.

Give animals their space:

The best way to stay safe around wildlife is to give them space. Never approach. Observe from a distance. And let wildlife be wild.

Do not disturb:

Feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is illegal. Wildlife can be unpredictable when they're disturbed or surprised. Also, many animals in the Greater Yellowstone Region are protected. Physically disturbing them can lead to legal action, including fines or jail time.

Be responsible:

When you are out enjoying nature, you must keep yourself, your family, and the wildlife safe. If you see something, say something. If someone is taunting or disturbing wildlife, report it to local officials.

Wildllife distance Courtesy of Yellowstone National Park <https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm>

Be Bear Aware

Big Sky is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, home to both black and grizzly bears. Encountering bears can be thrilling, but it's essential to prioritize safety. Learn more on what to expect and how to be prepared.

Most conflicts between bears and humans are defensive. Most bear-human encounters occur when bears feel threatened or surprised, often because of human presence or activities. For the safety of wildlife and humans, visitors must stay alert while in the great outdoors and be prepared.

Be alert to bear activity such as scat, tracks, and dead carcasses. These can signal significant bear activity in the area, in which case you should consider changing your route or activity.

Safety in numbers. Travel in a group if possible.

Carry bear spray and understand how to use it. Bear spray can be rented or purchased at several Big Sky town center locations.

Make noise while out on the trail. Give bears and wildlife a chance to leave the area before you arrive to avoid any surprises.

Keep food and garbage properly stored at your home and campsite to avoid attracting bears. Appropriate Bear-proof containers are necessary for storing food while camping.

Never feed bears. This is illegal.

Respect bear habitat and provide them plenty of space if you spot them on the trail. Stay on designated trails and avoid areas with known bear activity, especially during sensitive times of the year such as mating season, hyperphagia (when bears are eating in excess before winter), or when sows (female bears) have cubs.