Classes teach skills to be bear aware

The Whitefish Trail is bringing two opportunities for Bear Aware education to the Flathead Valley this spring.

These events are free and open to the public and will help recreationalists — front country hikers, bikers, campers, and hunters — be more prepared in bear country.

Join retired Glacier National Park ranger, Gary Moses, and Whitefish Trail naturalist, Kim Corette, for an interactive presentation on Thursday, April 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge. Through instructive videos and years of lessons learned, attendees will learn about bear biology and behavior, how to avoid bear encounters, and what to do in an encounter. Thanks to the generosity of Counter Assault, those attending can also practice deploying inert bear spray canisters.

For those looking for more active learning, come out to the Whitefish Trail to explore bear signs and safety along the trail during a guided hike with Moses and Corette. The event is Thursday, May 4 from 5-7 p.m. beginning at the Lion Mountain Trailhead. Practice using inert bear spray donated by Counter Assault, increase animal awareness and confidence, and learn all about being prepared in bear country. This family-friendly outing will involve an easy 1 to 2-mile hike. Dress for the weather and bring the whole family.

The Whitefish Trail is the anchor project of Whitefish Legacy Partners and the result of collaborative partnerships providing public access and recreation while protecting clean water, thriving forests, and prime wildlife habitat on open lands surrounding Whitefish Montana.

For more information about these events and other scheduled outings, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org, call 406-862-3880 or email info@whitefishlegacy.org.