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. This area is home to bears, wolves, elk, and other diverse species of wildlife, as well as thousands of migratory birds that rely on its wetlands. Its glacier-fed rivers host iconic species like bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.
Living alongside wildlife in Montana is a unique privilege, and residents, landowners, and businesses play a key role in supporting wildlife, reducing conflicts, and preserving Montana’s natural heritage.
What can you do?
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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
