Bear sightings persistent in towns
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news from St. Ignatius Neighborhood Watch Chapter
ST. IGNATIUS — Grizzly and black bears have always wandered through Ronan and St. Ignatius and probably always will. Dan McClure, administrative sergeant for Tribal Fish and Game, explained to the St. Ignatius Neighborhood Watch Chapter on Sept. 15 that the creeks in those towns are natural corridors for bears. He added that the creek bottoms are also corridors for mountain lions, skunks, deer and just about every wild animal.
Bear calls in St. Ignatius or Ronan are usually black bears. However, he said, that when he gets a bear call from around Charlo, it’s usually grizzlies.
He said if people just see a bear passing through, it is not necessary to call in a complaint. A treed bear will almost always climb down and run away if left alone, he said. “They don’t want to be in that situation,” he said. “They want to get the heck out of there. If people and dogs leave them alone, they will do just that.”
However, if a bear or mountain lion is seen around a school or someplace where children are nearby, a call should be made, he said. He added it would also be helpful if neighborhood watchers called people around the immediate area to alert them of the bear’s or lion’s presence.
“Bears become a problem this time of year because they are trying to accumulate fat for winter hibernation,” McClure said. “Most grizzlies are shy about it but black bears, especially young ones, can get kind of pushy.”
That is why it is prudent to get rid of fruit, pet food, bird feeders and anything else that might attract bears. Garbage is also an attractant and he encourages everyone to secure their garbage as much as possible.
“Also, clean those outdoor barbecues,” he said. “They smell delicious to bears.”
McClure told a woman accustomed to walking in an area where bears have been seen to make noise by singing, whistling or using a walking stick with bells.
When she said she always carries pepper spray, McClure responded with,“Pepper spray is for humans. The bear might just laugh at you and keep on coming. Get yourself some bear spray.”
According to McClure, tribal officers don’t go after skunks or other small animals but permits are issued for trapping them and sometimes a trap can be provided.
He added that the department trapped and moved 26 mule deer in Polson. “It seems we hardly put a dent in the population,” he said. “And what do deer attract? Mountain lions.”
Local farmers who are having problems with deer can call Stephanie Gillan, the tribal biologist, at 406-883-2888, as she has a list of tribal member hunters who may help them out.
McClure said the eight offers in his department are all fully accredited law enforcement officers and they work hand in hand with other law enforcement agencies.
Those at the meeting welcomed new St. Ignatius full-time police officer Josh Black Weasel. Black Weasel said he already has an apartment, is settled in and is looking forward to serving the community.
The St. Ignatius Neighborhood Watch meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Senior Citizens Center on North Main. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call chapter president Mack McConnell at 406-745-4151.
