FWP gives 'bear aware' guidance after recent encounter

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) is urging park visitors to stay alert and be bear aware following a recent encounter involving a bear and a hiker in Sluice Boxes State Park.

On Saturday, August 23, FWP received a report from an individual who said they encountered a bear while hiking on a trail in the park. To deter the animal, the person fired two warning shots at the bear.

Brianna Juneau reports - watch: FWP gives 'bear aware' guidance after recent encounter

FWP staff responded promptly to the scene and conducted an extensive search, which included the use of an infrared drone. Four black bears were located in the area, but no injured or deceased bear was found.

Based on video footage from the encounter, FWP believes the animal involved was a black bear, although the specie