Posted on 10/30/2023 by Key Montana

Bear Safety in Paradise Valley

Enjoying the natural, untouched beauty of Paradise Valley often means sharing the area with local wildlife of all kinds. Montana is home to both black and grizzly bears. Here at Key Montana we want to encourage our guests to put safety first while they explore and experience all the Valley has to offer. These tips from People and Carnivores can help keep you safe and bears wild, as they should be.

Bear Safety At Your Vacation Rental

Secure Trash

Some of our properties are located in remote, rural areas. These are the best properties to experience the authentic beauty of Montana and get away from it all. Unfortunately, they are also the areas at the highest risk of bear activity. Keeping your trash secure can help ensure bears stay away from the property. It is best to keep trash indoors until it can be removed from the property. Due to the rural nature of some of the properties there is no trash pick up. Please see our guide on trash disposal here.

Store Food Properly

Never leave cooler, pet food or other odorous items outdoors, especially unattended. When using a grill or fire pit to cook food, clean it between each use to remove food odors. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can smell food from up to 20 miles away! While hunting, it is important to take extra precautions when storing carcasses and game meat. Our VIP Concierge Service is happy to help you figure out the details for your unique property.

Keep Your Pets Safe

Bears also love pet food. For pet friendly properties, store pet food indoors and feed your pet indoors. Even empty pet food dishes can attract bears due to food residue and odors left on the dishes. Keep your pets on a leash to ensure you know where they are at all times and reduce the risk of them running off and antagonizing or falling prey to bears and other wildlife in the area.

Report Bear Activity

Please report any bear activity to the local police or sheriff’s department, Fish and Wildlife and to Key Montana so that we can pass the information along to our local wildlife management agency bear specialist. Never approach a bear. If you spot a bear on the property and you are in a safe place to do so, such as indoors, make loud noises such as shouting or banging pots and pans together to scare the bear away from the area. Most of the time, wildlife avoid humans and will run away from humans.

Photo From People and Carnivores

Bear Safety in Recreation Areas

When hiking one of the many amazing local trails, floating the river, exploring Yellowstone National Park, or any other outdoor recreation it is important to keep bear safety in mind.

Be Alert

Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes up and scan the area around you. Not only will you be more likely to catch signs of bears in the area but you’ll get to enjoy more of the natural beauty around you.

Make Noise

Being noisy on the trail will help you avoid surprising a bear. This is especially important in areas with low visibility, such as twisting trails with blind corners. When bears can hear you, they are more likely to avoid you. When coming around blind corners or in bushy areas with less visibility a simple “Hey bear!” or any other saying you like as you hike can help alert a bear to your presence and they will head another direction.

Carry Bear Spray

Carry bear spray with you on all your outdoor activities. Unfortunately bear spray is not permitted in your carry on or checked bags while flying. Many of our rentals have bear spray there for your use. Our VIP Concierge Service will be happy to help you purchase bear spray or have it waiting in your rental for you when you arrive if you are unsure. Always read up on how to use it prior to your outing (and have it out of the package). It’s better to ask what you feel is a silly question about it’s use than assume and not know how to properly use it should the rare occasion arise that you need it.

Travel In Groups

The more the merrier! Traveling in groups makes it easier to be aware of your surroundings and make noise when enjoying the outdoors. Just make sure to keep everyone together. Never hike, float or ski alone in the Montana backcountry.

Never Run From a Bear

If you do encounter a bear on your adventures it’s important to remember, never run. Stay calm and back away so you can keep your eyes on the bear as you leave the area.

Never Leave Trash, Food, or Food Remains Unattended

It’s important to leave the land as you found it. Whatever you take into nature with you, should always leave with you. Leaving trash and food behind could cause trouble for the next people trying to enjoy the area.

Bear Poles

When camping it is important to keep food and bear attractants out of reach. A bear pole is a horizontal log running between two upright trees. Food should be hung at least ten feet from the ground and at last four feet from the trees on either side. When camping or hiking in the backcountry, it is always best to travel with an experienced guide. Our VIP Concierge Service would love to set you up with one of local favorites.