LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
The Flathead Valley is nestled within the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, one of the most pristine landscapes in the lower 48 states. Large wildlife, including bears, wolves, and elk, roam the peaks, valleys, and rivers, navigating public and private lands to find food, water, and shelter.
The area is an important migration corridor for thousands of birds, bears, wolves, elk, and other species, and our rivers are world famous for the bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout that migrate in our glacier-fed icy-cold waters.
What can you do?
Learn about being Bear Aware and letting wildlife be wild! Coexist and enjoy Flathead’s wildlife.
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This is Bear Country
Bears traverse across diverse landscapes and with increasing human and bear populations the likelihood of encounters increases. Here are tips to help people that live, work, and recreate in bear country be safe and bears wild.
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Keep Wildlife Wild
Always keep a safe distance from wildlife. Never touch, pick up, handle or engage with any wild animal.
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Birds and their Habitat
Northwest Montana is home to an incredible array of birds, and part of many more birds’ migratory path. With a few tips, your property could become a bird sanctuary.
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes’ Wildlife App
CSKT Fish and Wildlife App includes information about 125 species commonly found in riparian habitats across the Flathead Reservation, including extensive natural history, calls and songs, conservation status, cultural information, and their names in the Salish and Kootenai languages.
Resources
Living with Wildlife, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Living with Wildlife, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
Be Bear Aware, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Recreating Safely and Storing Your Food in Bear Country, USDA Forest Service Flathead National Forest