Here is a list of September Bear Aware events across the state:
Sept. 8-11 – Kalispell fruit donation drive
FWP will accept fruit donations from landowners gleaning or removing fruit from their properties. The fruit drive is an opportunity for the public to help reduce bear attractants while also supporting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Community members are invited to drop off fruit from their properties at the FWP office at 490 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell. Donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Sept. 9 – Helena family hike
Helena, Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Family Hike: Exploring Bear Country. Bring the whole family along for a fun, educational hike and learn how to safely recreate in bear country. Along the way, we’ll talk about bear behavior, how to recognize signs of bear activity, what to do if you encounter a bear, and how to properly carry and use bear spray. This family-friendly hike is designed to help kids and adults feel more confident, prepared and comfortable enjoying the outdoors no matter where you go. Be ready to hike, learn, ask questions and have some fun. All ages are welcome, and spaces are limited. Registration required. Call 406-444-9941.
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Sept. 12 – Whitefish harvest fest
Whitefish, North Valley Food Bank Harvest Fest, 12 to 2 p.m. Learn about safely recreating in bear country and tips for how to secure attractants around your home.
Sept. 15, 22, 29 – Kalispell office hours
Kalispell, Region 1 Headquarters, 490 N. Meridian Road, 3 to 5 p.m. Stop by any time during these office hours for bear safety tips and to practice with inert bear spray.
Sept. 14, 21, 28 – Helena campsite challenge
Helena, 2668 Broadwater Ave, Montana Wild, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every Monday (except for Labor Day) Campsite Bear Aware Challenge. All ages are welcome. A messy camper has left behind a hazardous campsite. Reset a mock campground full of "bear attractants." Think of stray marshmallows, scented lip balm and unsecured coolers. Kids will take on the role of Bear Safety Rangers, hunting down every hidden hazard and physically resetting the campsite to make the campsite bear safe. No registration required.
Sept. 16 – Missoula bear aware hours
Missoula, Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Road, 4 to 6 p.m. Stop by the Missoula FWP office this summer during open "bear aware office hours." We'll be on hand during these times to answer questions and share bear safety tips. Plus, practice using inert bear spray with a charging robo bear. This event is free and no registration is required.
Sept. 17 – Lone Pine State Park program
Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell, 6:30 p.m. Learn about recreating safely in bear country. Learn how to recognize bear activity, prevent conflicts, respond to encounters and use bear spray safely. This event is free and no registration is required.
Sept. 30 – Helena bear evolution talk
Helena, Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bear Evolution Talk. Did you know that bears were the size of your cat 30 million years ago? Discover the history of bears in this evolutionary ursine adventure. We’ll learn about the unique ancestors that led to the bears we know today, debunk common misconceptions about bears and create a larger-than-life family tree of all the bears around the world. Ages 10+, spaces are limited. Registration required. Call 406-444-9941.
