October 20, 2000 Missoulian article by Sherry Devlin: Sow is relocated after frightening bowhunters in their tree stands.
The environmentalists that have captured the federal land and resource agencies are in the process of reintroducing grizzly bears into the Selway Bitterroot Ecosystem [SBE] even though there is creditable evidence there is not a quality food source for them since salmon and steelhead no longer come from the ocean spawn in any significant numbers.
Reintroduction of grizzly bears into the SBE would change the character of the recreational opportunities up the various creeks fishing and hunting and would not be places our children could go, in safety, for a wilderness experience.
On two occasions, a few years ago, this member of CAG took Hamilton High School students into the wilderness; once up Boulder Creek west of Lake Como and up Tin Cup Creek on another occasion for 15 day horse packing trips. That would not be wise if there were grizzly bears in the SBE.
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A female grizzly bear moved from tree stand to tree stand frightening bowhunters in the Ovando area was delivered to a new, more secluded home in the Middle Fork of the Flathead River drainage Thursday.
Although "very nice" and "easygoing," the 325-pound bear had nonetheless "developed a strategy of going from tree to tree, putting its paws on the tree trunk and looking up at the bowhunters," said Bill Thomas, an information officer for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Park.
"She had figured out that where bowhunters were in trees, she might also find harvested deer," Thomas.said. "She actually claimed three of them from hunters."Most of the targeted hunters were using tree stands near the Aunt Molly Wildlife Management Area along the Blackfoot River Southeast of Ovando. One of the targeted deer carcasses was in a garage along the river. Grizzly bear managers from Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service believed trapping and relocation was probably in the grizzly*s best interest, according to Thomas. The bear was nabbed Wednesday, then tranquilized and fitted with a radio collar.
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The sow grizzly, CAG suspects, also figured out that if she could find a way to get the bowhunters down out of the tree she could have a super fresh meal.
This points out a major difference between black bears and grizzly bears. Grizzly bears are much more aggressive, and by their very nature, assure they are a poor choice to reintroduce into an area where they will come into contact with humans on bad years when they starve out of the SBE and come to the lower valleys looking for food, and as Ray Karr points out, "If the SBE is such a great place for grizzly bears they would be there already."
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On Thursday, it was released in the Middle Fork drainage.
"What we hope is that she*ll den up somewhere in the Middle Fork drainage and have cubs — and that the cubs will tie her down to the area," Thomas said. Biologists aren*t certain, however, that the bear is pregnant.
With the general hunting season for deer and elk starting Sunday, Thomas cautioned hunters throughout western Montana that they "could just as likely run into a grizzly bear as not."
Grizzlies are widely dispersed and on the move during the fall, "increasing the odds of a conflict and the need for hunters to take precautions to avoid a problem," he said. There is another adult female grizzly with a 2 year old cub and an adult male grizzly in the same riparian zone along the Blackfoot River outside Ovando, he said. Those bears have not yet run into trouble with hunters.
Said Thomas: "it*s really up to people to assume the reponsibility for avoiding a conflict with grizzlies." He provided this list of precautions for hunters and others heading afield.
When storing food:
All food and beverages, including canned food, pop, beer, garbage, grease, processed livestock or pet food, and all scented or flavored toiletries must be stored where they are not available to bears at night or where they are unattended during the day. Never bury garbage, Thomas said. Treat garbage as you would food, and pack it out.
Attractants must be suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any vertical support — or stored inside in approved bear resistant container. Coolers, pop-up campers and tents are not bear resistant
All wildlife carcasses or parts of carcasses must be stored like food, but the point of storage must be at least 100 yards from away from sleeping area, trail or recreation site, and preferably downwind.
While hunting:
Avoid hunting alone. Travel in pairs when possible, Thomas said. Learn to recognize bear signs and avoid areas with fresh scat, diggings, tracks or carcasses. Be cautious in dense timber or brush, and along creeks. If you see or smell a carcass or gut pile, don*t investigate it. Make a wide circle around it.
People who use horses usually have fewer problems with bears. ALways remain alert, especially at the end of a long day. Carry bear-repellent pepper spray. :.After the kIll: Gut, pack and remove the carcass from the area as soon as ppssible, Thomas advised. Separate the carcass from the gut pile. Never leave the gut pile or carcass near a trail. If you have to leave the carcass overnight, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground. If you are one-half mile from a trail or sleeping area, you can leave a carcass on the ground, but you risk a bear claiming your game. Always leave the carcass where you can see it from a distance and where you can approach it from upwind. Observe the carcass for a while before approaching it. You may want to leave a piece of clothing around the carcass to discourage a bear from claiming it.
If you encounter a bear:
"First try to slowly back out of the situation," Thomas said. "Keep calm, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a soft monotone voice. Never turn your back to the bear and never kneel down. Most encounters end with the bear leaving the area."
Never run, he said, and do not try to climb a tree unless you are sure you can climb at least 10 feet before the bear reaches you.
If a bear charges, stand your ground. Bears often bluff charge or run past you. The bear may charge several times before leaving an area. Shooting a charging bear should be your last resort. Shot placement is very difficult and the bear almost always lives long enough to maul the shooter. "A wounded bear can be very dangerous," Thomas said.
Bear-repellent pepper,spray has proven effective in warding off charging bears. It is available at most sporting goods stores in the area. Have it available and know how to use it.
As a last resort, play dead. Lie flat on the ground, covering your neck and head with your hands and arms. "Many people have survived bear attacks using this method," according to Thomas.
He asked hunters and others to report all bear encounters to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks or the U.S. Forest Service, no matter how insignificant. The report could help wildlife managers prevent further conflicts.