The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is warning the public to be aware of a recent bear encounter in the Casey Meadows area.
A cinnamon black bear props itself up on a vehicle in the Tower-Roosevelt area of Yellowstone National Park in May 2019.
The forest service posted Sunday on Facebook it had received a report of a grizzly bear charging a visitor in the Casey Meadows area in the Helena Ranger District, southeast of Helena.
People are urged to consider taking a different route or use bear safety practices if you choose to still recreate in this area.
While it was first reported as a grizzly bear, the forest service said Tuesday that state Fish, Wildlife and Parks had investigated and believed it was likely a cinnamon black bear.
But officials and others posting on social media said the bear advice goes for both species.
People should carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise as you hike to avoid surprising a bear, stay alert and travel in groups if possible and to keep food and scented items securely stored.
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The Casey Meadows Trail is described by https://www.visitmt.com as “an easy hike into the Elkhorn Mountains.”
Alltrails.com says “This trail is great for birding, fishing, and hiking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.”
For more Bear Aware tips, visit: https://bebearaware.org/
Phil Drake
