Hunters Warned to Watch for Grizzlies in Montana

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana wildlife officials are warning hunters and others to watch out for grizzly bears along the Beartooth Front west of Red Lodge.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Robert Gibson said Thursday that the agency biologist for the Red Lodge area has seen more grizzlies this spring than any other time in the past 30 years.

Gibson says black bear hunters in particular should be careful because they are likely to be in the same areas that bears frequent. Hikers and others should also be cautious.

The warning is meant to protect both people and bears. Grizzlies are on the endangered species list, but are sometimes killed by wildlife managers if they are involved in an attack on humans.

They also can be mistakenly shot by hunters.