Presentations teach bear aware practices

Whitefish Legacy Partners and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offer free, bear aware presentations on April 17, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kalispell office and on April 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. 

The presentation features an informative, in-person presentation with Justine Vallieres. She’ll discuss how to recreate safely in bear country and there will be time afterward to ask questions. 

Vallieres is the Bear and Mountain Lion Conflict Management Specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Region 1. She has worked grizzly bear conflict management for the last 7 years here in Region 1, and prior to that she worked on the wolf management project. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a degree in Natural Resources and Conservation with a focus in Wildlife Biology. 

Whitefish Legacy Partners and People and Carnivores host a free, Bear-Aware Walk with Inert Bear Spray Practice on May 1, from 6 -7:30 p.m. at the Lion Mountain trailhead in Whitefish. 

For those looking for more active learning, come out to the Whitefish Trail to explore bear signs and learn safety along the trail during this guided hike. Participants will practice spraying an inert canister of bear spray. This family-friendly outing will involve an easy 1-to-2-mile hike.  

For more RSVP details and more information about the education program or other scheduled outings, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org or call 406-862-3880 or email wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org