Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will host a free bear safety event next week to offer training and hands-on practice with inert bear spray and other safety resources.

The workshop will be Monday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the south parking lot of FWP’s Bozeman office, 1400 S. 19th Ave.

This event will include lectures on the hour and displays, including grizzly bear and black bear full-body mounts, skulls, tracks, food storage options, bear spray holsters, and a bear spray target. Participants will have the unique opportunity to practice using inert bear spray in a simulated charging bear demonstration, weather permitting.

FWP staff will be available to discuss safety practices for bear country, bear biology and how to handle bear encounters. They will provide in-depth training on how to carry and use bear spray. This event is family friendly, and everyone is welcome. Visitors should leave their personal bear spray at home.

Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded. People venturing into the outdoors should be “bear aware” by following these precautionary steps:

Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and be prepared to use it immediately.
Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
Make noise, especially near streams or in thick vegetation where hearing and visibility are impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
Keep attractants secured and follow all food storage regulations.
Don't approach a bear.
For more information on bear safety, visit go.usa.gov/xJB6U.