Public Comment Sought On Proposal Requiring Black Bear Hunters To Complete Mandatory Bear ID Testing

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a proposal requiring black bear hunters to complete mandatory bear identification testing before purchasing a black bear license.

"Black bear hunters are very likely to encounter grizzly bears where they haven’t been seen before and so they have to be alert and able to quickly and accurately identify bears," said Glenn Erickson, FWP wildlife management bureau chief. "Montana’s grizzly bear population appears to be increasing and black bear hunters must understand that they are likely to encounter grizzly bears in areas they may not have inhabited just a few years ago."

In the past seven years, 14 grizzly bears have been lost in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem because black bear hunters misidentified the grizzlies as black bears. The grizzly bear is a federally protected, threatened species.

"The Commission is concerned about the impact that mistaken identity killings have on grizzly bear recovery and are proactively seeking a solution," Erickson said. "The Commission believes informing and educating all black bear hunters will avoid mistaken identity killings of grizzly bears."

The proposed mandatory testing program would be available both as an on-line website certification process and a multiple-choice mail-in test with an informational brochure available from license agents or by mail. Tests and website information would be mailed to nonresidents who request black bear licenses.

The full text of the tentative proposal is on the FWP web site under Public Notices by selecting the Hunting category. The public may send public comments through October 15 to Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Wildlife Division; Attention: Mandatory Bear Testing; PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. Comments will also be accepted via the FWP web site at: fwpwld@state.mt.us. For further information call (406) 444-2535.