MONTANA - As the "Big Sky State" rings in the New Year, wildlife officials are issuing a heightened alert for residents across both mountain valleys and prairie corridors. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has reported a significant surge in brazen predator activity, with large carnivores appearing in residential zones where they haven't been seen in decades.
From the outskirts of Bozeman to the dense foothills of Missoula, these sightings have triggered official warnings for homeowners to secure their properties as predators adapt to a modern, fragmented landscape.
1. The "Ghost of the Bangtails": Grizzly Expansion
Perhaps the most significant wildlife news in Montana this winter is the official confirmation of a grizzly bear in the Bangtail Mountains east of Bozeman.
- A 50-Year Milestone: On December 24, 2025, FWP specialists verified a grizzly sighting captured by a remote trail camera. This marks the first formal documentation of a grizzly in the Bangtails since modern recovery efforts began in 1975.
- The "Brazen" Path: Biologists believe the subadult bear likely crossed over or underneath I-90—a busy four-lane interstate—to reach the isolated range.
- Territory Expansion: This sighting follows a pattern of grizzlies moving into historic ranges, with similar sightings reported along the Yellowstone River in Livingston and in the Shields Valley throughout late 2025.
2. Mountain Lions: The "Porch Sitters" of Helena
While grizzlies are expanding their range, mountain lions are becoming increasingly comfortable in high-traffic human areas.
- Backyard Hotspots: In late 2025 and early 2026, residents in the South Hills of Helena and the Rattlesnake area of Missoula reported cougars lounging on back porches and stalking deer through suburban fences in broad daylight.
- Loss of Fear: FWP has received hundreds of reports over the last season involving "brazen" cats that refuse to retreat when confronted with human voices or porch lights.
- The Prey Factor: Officials note that as deer move into lower elevations and town limits to avoid deep mountain snow, mountain lions follow them directly into backyards.
3. The "Missoula Bear Buffer" and Garbage Conflicts
In Missoula, the city has entered a new phase of wildlife management due to the frequency of bears "breaking and entering" residential structures for food.
- The Mandate: Starting in 2026, many Missoula residents are required to store all garbage in bear-resistant containers as part of the expanded Bear Buffer Zone.
- Escalating Behavior: Wildlife officers warn that food-conditioned bears are exhibiting extreme behaviors, such as tearing into sheds and garages to access birdseed or pet food, leading to a "brazen" presence that often requires relocation or removal.
4. How to Protect Your Property
To keep Montana's predators wild and your family safe, FWP recommends several immediate steps for the 2026 winter season:
- The "Bird Feeder" Rule: Take down bird feeders during periods of active predator sightings. Seed attracts rodents and deer, which in turn attract mountain lions and bears.
- Secure the Perimeter: Trim low-hanging branches and thick brush around your home. Mountain lions rely on ambush cover; removing these hiding spots makes your yard a less appealing hunting ground.
- Manage Attractants: Never leave pet food outside. Clean outdoor grills after every use and store them in a secure building if possible.
- Secure Crawl Spaces: Check the lattice and vents under your porch or deck. A "brazen" bear looking for a winter den will view a crawl space as a perfect hibernation site.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you come face-to-face with a bear or mountain lion in your yard, do not run.
- For Grizzlies: Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and back away slowly. Do not scream or make sudden movements. If the bear charges, use bear spray.
- For Mountain Lions: Do the opposite. Act as large as possible. Open your jacket, wave your arms, and shout in a deep, firm voice. Throw stones or branches if it moves toward you.
- Carry Protection: Whether you are hiking or just taking out the trash in a high-activity area, carrying bear spray is highly recommended. It has been proven effective on both bears and mountain lions.