Bear Aware Workshop in Fort Shaw April 29th

Workshop attendee practices deterring bears with inert spray. Photo credit Sun River Watershed Group Montana is bear country, and it seems black and grizzly bears are showing up with increasing frequency across lower elevations and in river corridors, like the Sun River. The Sun River Watershed Group (SRWG) is hosting a Bear Aware workshop on April 29th at the Sun River Valley Senior Center (community center) in Fort Shaw (13319 Mt Highway 200, Fort Shaw) at 6 pm. Presentations will be provided by FWP Bear Management Technician, Jack Morawczynski, and Pheasants Forever Biologist, Ali Marschner. Topics will include bear behavior and range; avoiding conflicts with bears at your home, ranch, farm, or while recreating; and how to handle conflicts when they do occur. Attendees will also learn to use bear deterrent (“bear spray”). “We have organized a few of these workshops, and I learn something new every time. The best way to avoid conflict with bears is to understand them, and Jack & Ali do a great job teaching folks about bear behavior,” says SRWG Executive Director, Tracy Wendt. Event attendees will be entered to win free cans of bear spray, courtesy of SRWG and Vital Ground. Dinner will be available for purchase from Papo’s Food Truck starting at 5:45 pm. This event is made possible by funding from Vital Ground and the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART funding program. More information about Vital Ground is available at www.vitalground.org. The Sun River Watershed Group works with partners to protect and restore the resources of the Sun River watershed and its communities. Learn more at www.sunriverwatershed.org or contact madison@sunriverwatershed.org.