ENNIS – This month, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks researchers will begin the fourth season of a multi-year study on black bears aimed at better understanding and estimating black bear populations across the state.
This year’s effort will focus on the Gravelly Range southwest of Ennis.
FWP staff will collect hair samples by placing up to 80 barbed wire hair corrals throughout the Gravelly Range. In addition, FWP staff will conduct live captures of black bears, six of which will be collared to collect GPS data.
Hair corral sites will be surrounded by bright orange warning signs to prevent human safety issues, and all sites will be removed before the fall archery season begins. Montana is bear country. If you are recreating or working outdoors in Montana, it is always a good idea to carry bear spray in case of a surprise bear encounter.
