A grizzly bear has been spotted for the first time in southwest Montana since recovery efforts began back in the early 2000s. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) confirmed the sighting after a private landowner’s trail camera captured an image of the grizzly bear in the southern Tobacco Root Mountains, according to KPAX Channel 8 News.

“We do have confirmation for the first time since grizzly bear recovery [there is] grizzly bear presence in the Tobacco Root Mountains,” said MFWP spokesman Morgan Jacobsen. “So, this in itself is new. But it doesn't change the bear safety practices that we recommend anywhere west of Billings in Montana.”

Anyone venturing into known grizzly country should always practice caution and safety.

“A common question that we get from both hunters and other recreationists is they call and say, am I going to encounter a grizzly bear in such and such drainage,” said Jacobsen. “And it’s not a question we can answer other than, well, you should be prepared for a bear encounter no matter where you're recreating.”

Take bear spray, travel in groups, and make noises while hiking. Stay away from clear kill sites and pay attention to your surroundings. 

“The last thing we want to happen is for people to think, well, there's one more place I can't go anymore. Nothing's further from the truth,” said Jacobsen. “These places are here for people to enjoy, and there's so much to enjoy about them. But how you approach that activity and that visit is important.”