HELENA, Mt. — Dry conditions and a lack of food in the mountains are pushing bears and mountain lions closer to towns in Montana, and wildlife officials are urging pet owners to take precautions.
Officials say it is generally safe for pets to be outside overnight, but owners should stay alert — especially those who live near wooded areas.
To reduce the risk, officials recommend limiting attractants by picking up trash, bringing pet food inside and hanging birdfeeders high.
Wildlife is most active at dusk and dawn, so pet owners should be especially vigilant during those hours. Anyone hiking with pets should carry bear spray and make noise on the trail.
Helena urban wildlife officer Sean McCarthy said limiting what draws animals into residential areas is key.
"Just limit that want for those animals to really be in this area and stay in this area," McCarthy said. "They may naturally come through at night, that is very very common and happens very often. As long as they're coming through at night and they're moving right back along out into the woods, that's what we really want."
Removing easy food sources, officials say, is one of the best ways to keep both wildlife and pets safe.
