Montana FWP Debuts Robotic Bear Training Trailer for Statewide Safety Initiative

MISSOULA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will debut a new robotic bear training trailer next week as part of a statewide Bear Aware month aimed at reducing human-bear conflicts across the state.

The high-tech training tool will make its first public appearance Wednesday, Sept. 10, at FWP’s Missoula office during a free bear safety training from 5:30-7 p.m. The event features hands-on practice with inert bear spray and a remote-controlled charging bear designed to simulate real encounter conditions.

“Education is key to keeping both people and bears safe,” said Mitch King of Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation. “This new training trailer gives the public a hands-on way to practice with bear spray and prepare for real encounters. The better prepared people are, the fewer conflicts we’ll see and the better protected our bears will be.”

The innovative training system was developed through a partnership between FWP, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Safari Club International Foundation, the Western Montana Chapter of SCI, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Statewide Safety Initiative

The Missoula demonstration is one of 13 Bear Aware events taking place across Montana this month. The programming spans from Whitefish to Troy, reaching communities through farmers markets, festivals, and state parks.

“SCI Foundation is dedicated to supporting state wildlife agencies, and we are pleased to collaborate with FWP and MOLF to provide resources that educate the public on bear awareness and safety,” said Maria Davidson, SCI Foundation’s Large Carnivore Manager.

Other September events include bear safety programs in Helena at Blackfoot River Brewing, demonstrations at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo, and training sessions at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell. The Troy Apple Festival and Lewistown Chokecherry Festival will also feature bear awareness programming.

High-Tech Solution

The new trailer addresses practical challenges in bear safety education. Traditional training methods often lack the realistic pressure of an actual encounter.

“Not only will the trailer catch the eye of the crowd when we attend events, but it will also allow us to transport our new robotic bear safely along with training tools,” said James Jonkel with FWP. “We are very thankful for the help of partners to make this possible.”

The training includes comprehensive bear awareness information and biology education. FWP staff will be available to discuss proper responses to bear encounters and prevention strategies.

Essential Bear Safety

Bears can be found throughout Montana, making awareness critical for outdoor enthusiasts. FWP recommends these precautionary steps:

• Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it
• Travel in groups whenever possible
• Make noise periodically to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited
• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers
• Watch for signs of bears such as scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses

A special media demonstration is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday ahead of the public training, offering reporters video opportunities and hands-on experience with the robotic bear system.

The Flathead region has also organized fruit gleaning from Sept. 8-12, encouraging residents to drop off domestic fruit at the FWP Kalispell office to reduce attractants in residential areas.

“We’re proud to partner with FWP to make this a reality,” King said.

For more information on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware. For training details, contact the Missoula FWP office at 406-542-5518.