Don’t Forget About These Montana Monsters This Spring

I feel like every year, we have to discuss bears coming out of hibernation and the need to be careful when heading out into the backcountry.

But despite the warnings, every year, people seem to stumble across grizzly bears.

Grizzly Bears In Montana

Believe it or not, grizzly bears lose about 15 to 30% of their body weight during winter hibernation.

But just because these massive monsters might look a little bit scrawny this spring doesn't mean they're not dangerous.

I mean, if you haven't eaten much for the past few months, you'd be pretty hangry as well.

Grizzly bears awaken from their winter slumbers as we head through March and April.

It's easy to forget about these giants but now is no time to become complacent.

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Bear Protection

Depending on who you talk to, some folks swear by bear spray, and others tend to lean toward a more lethal method of protection.

RELATED READING: New Website Track Grizzly Mortality In Montana

Bear Spray

• Pros - Easy to carry, not lethal, generally tends to deter a bear.
• Cons - It's very windy in Montana, so keep that in mind; it's not 100% effective.

Firearm

• Pros - It never expires and is unaffected by the wind or any other element for that matter. It can quickly be reloaded if needed.
• Cons - Heavier to carry and is generally lethal.

We could argue about which is better until we're blue in the face.

Personally, I carry a firearm into the woods.

But I know a lot of folks that swear by bear spray.

One way or another, ensure you're vigilant when you head into Montana's backcountry this time of the year.

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