Bears and wildfires: Sure signs of spring

Signs that spring has finally sprung are all around us as we enter the last half of April. Tree buds and some flowers are beginning to make their grand entrance, robins are all a flutter and evening daylight is lingering well past the dinner hour.

In Northwest Montana, there are two other sure signals that warmer days are upon us: the return of bears and wildfires.

After a long winter’s nap, bears are beginning to emerge from their dens - and their tummies are rumbling. Sightings have been reported in the valley from Whitefish to Bigfork.

Now is the time to secure attractants like garbage or dog food, and to be “bear aware” in the backcountry. According to wildlife officials, this time of year bears are looking for food, and often sows have cubs close at hand. People are advised to carry bear spray, make noise to avoid surprising bears and to keep an eye out for fresh bear sign like scat, tracks or overturned logs and rocks.

Early spring also brings wildland fires to our area. The grass has yet to green up, making for tinder dry conditions. Just this week fires flared up in Kalispell, on Blacktail Mountain and two others near Plains.

Fire officials note that a number of other wildfires were sparked earlier this spring due to open burn piles that got out of control during windy conditions.

Be sure to check the local forecast before starting an open burn, keep the pile a manageable size, have a water hose nearby and stay with the fire until it is completely out.