Bears Are Emerging Early

Wildlife officials say grizzly bears are coming out of hibernation and have been spotted along the Rocky Mountain Front and in Yellowstone National Park. Just before the recent snow storm, a Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden spotted a female grizzly with three cubs on the Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area near Choteau. Another grizzly female with a couple of cubs was reported west of Dupuyer. FWP bear management specialist Mike Madel says it's unusual for family groups to be out in mid-March. Adult males usually emerge from winter dens first, and may already be out. Yellowstone National Park officials say bear activity has been reported in several areas of the park. Bears that come out of their winter sleep this early focus on finding and eating winter-killed elk and deer.