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 gathering on wetlands that speckle the landscape, 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?
Living with wildlife in Montana is a special treasure. Landowners, residents, and business owners can support wildlife, minimize conflicts, and protect Montana’s hunting, fishing, and recreation culture and economy.
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 move across diverse landscapes. The majority of human-bear encounters do not involve conflict. However, as human and bear populations grow, the likelihood of encounters increases. Learn how to safely coexist with bears in their natural habitat.
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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
Be Bear Aware, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Recreating Safely and Storing Your Food in Bear Country, USDA Forest Service Flathead National Forest