It has been a lot warmer then normal, and that may be the reason bears will be coming out of hibernation early this year. The first one for Montana has already appeared out of hibernation earlier then expected. 

The first account of the grizzly was in Yellowstone n Monday. A grizzly bear was observed late in the afternoon, scavenging on a bison carcass in the central portion of the park. Food is normally the first thing they look for, and become very protective over their first meals. Which is why they are urging hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts to go in groups and make noise cause bears are out early this year.

According to the Billings Gazette, Yellowstone also implements seasonal bear management area closures to reduce encounters between bears and humans in areas where elk and bison carcasses are in high density. A listing of these closures can be found at www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/bearclosures.htm.

Remember folks "Be Bear Aware".

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