Confirmed Bear Sighting on the University of Montana Campus

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 18, 2026, just after 10:00 p.m., the University of Montana Police Department (UMPD) sent out an alert stating that a bear was seen on campus. According to UMPD,  the bear was last in the area of the Oval. They encouraged all students and staff to KEEP CLEAR and stay observant. UMPD patrolled the area and attempted to move the bear off campus.  

The University of Montana is obligated under federal law to issue Emergency Notices when an ongoing dangerous situation exists on or near the UM Campus. We will provide more information about this situation when it becomes available. 

UMPD encourages everyone to be “Bear Aware”. Please call UMPD at (406) 243-4000 or 911 in the event you encounter a bear. This information will be forwarded to FWP to assist their efforts in relocation.  

Below are some safety tips for bear encounters: 

• Bears that are agitated may appear to be non-threatening or passive at first. 
• Bears that are agitated may snap or pop their jaws and make a woofing sound. 
• Do not run. This may incite a predatory chase response. 
• Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human. 
• If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises. 

You can find more educational information about bears and bear encounters by visiting the US Forest Service “Be Bear Aware” webpage.