Wildlife Safety

Keep Animals Wild

Montana's wildlife is part of what makes living here so special. By understanding how to coexist respectfully, you help keep animals healthy and your family safe.

The Most Important Rule: Don't Feed Wildlife

Feeding wildlife causes real harm

  • It makes animals sick: Wildlife can't digest human food—it can be fatal.
  • It spreads disease: Feeding sites cause animals to crowd together, spreading illness faster.
  • It attracts predators: Food sources draw bears and mountain lions into neighborhoods.
  • It creates dependency: Young animals may never learn to find food naturally.

Keeping Wildlife Wild Works

  • Animals that stay naturally wary of humans live longer, healthier lives.
  • Wild behavior keeps animals in their natural territories.
  • Fewer conflicts mean safer communities for everyone.

5 Ways to Coexist With Wildlife

  1. Never feed deer, elk, moose, or bears—it's against the law and harmful to wildlife.
  2. Secure garbage cans and don't leave pet food outside.
  3. Keep a wide berth—never get too close to a wild animal.
  4. Plant native shrubs that provide natural food and shelter.
  5. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks if you see sick or injured animals.

When Wildlife Meets Vehicle

Montana is ranked second in the nation for wildlife-vehicle collisions. If you hit an animal, you can legally harvest it with a permit—many Montanans consider this making the best of an unfortunate situation.

Vehicle-Killed Wildlife Salvage

Do / Don’t

  • ✓ Watch wildlife with binoculars or telephoto cameras
  • ✓ Support habitat conservation programs and organizations
  • ✓ Learn about seasonal wildlife patterns in your area
  • X  Leave salt licks or corn out for deer
  • X  Approach wildlife for photos

Local Wildlife Resources

County Wildlife Conflict Support:

State Wildlife Support:

Learn More From the Experts

Tribal Wildlife Services:

Within Western Montana, on the Flathead and Blackfeet Reservations, wildlife management is coordinated by each tribes’ Natural Resources Department. Contract tribes directly for wildlife conflict support, education and current guidelines.

  • Flathead Reservation Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program (406) 675-2700 ext. 7217 | cskt.org
  • Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife (406) 338-7207 | blackfeetfishandwildlife.net/bear-aware-2018