Are Grizzly Bears In Montana Making A Comeback?

Montana is home to a significant population of grizzly bears in the contiguous United States. These iconic bears primarily inhabit the regions surrounding Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. In fact, approximately two-thirds of the remaining grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states can be found in Montana. As of October 16, 2022, it was estimated that there were around 1,200 grizzly bears still living in the wild, with roughly 800 of them residing within the state of Montana. This concentration highlights the importance of Montana as a crucial habitat for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

Montana’s grizzly bear population has shown remarkable expansion in recent years, with sightings reported in regions where these majestic creatures had not been observed for over a century. In addition to their traditional habitat around the greater Helena area, grizzly bears have been making appearances in previously unexpected locations, including the Little Belt Mountains, the Pryor Mountains southeast of Billings, and the Shields Valley to the north of Livingston. This noteworthy resurgence of grizzly bears marks a significant conservation success story in Montana, as of July 17, 2023.

Is the presence of grizzly bears a significant issue in Montana? In 2022, the Montana Department of Livestock reported that grizzly bears were responsible for the loss of 143 livestock animals, including both sheep and cattle. These losses accounted for a mere 0.0052 percent of the state’s overall livestock population, which exceeds 2.7 million. To support affected ranchers, the state allocated compensation payments totaling $234,378.37. As of January 29, 2023, these figures shed light on the relatively low impact of grizzly bears on Montana’s livestock industry.