Custer Gallatin National Forest

Forest Service News Release

Public Affairs: Jamie Balke
406-220-9210
jamie.balke@usda.gov

Battle Ridge Campground Area Closed due to Bear Activity

Bozeman, MT, September 12, 2023—Starting September 12, 2023 until rescinded, the east side of
Highway 86 in the Battle Ridge Campground area is closed due to bear activity. Black bears have
received food rewards, gotten into vehicles with windows left open, and were not afraid of humans. The
purpose of this closure is for public safety and to prevent dangerous bear-human encounters.

“A bear that receives a food reward can easily become conditioned and can start to exhibit
unnatural behavior around humans,” said Bozeman Ranger District Recreation Program Manager
Kat Barker. “This can lead to a potentially dangerous situation for the public and for our bears,
so please take the time to secure all attractants properly.”

Black bears have been active recently in the Bozeman area. As a reminder, five of the seven
Ranger Districts on the Custer Gallatin National Forest (Bozeman, Hebgen Lake, Gardiner,
Yellowstone and Beartooth) implement an annual food storage order from March 1-December 1.
Appropriate storage of attractants includes:

• Hard-sided vehicles or trailers

• Approved bear- resistant containers or other approved products, certified by the
Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee or
• Hung at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet away from a tree/pole, out of
reach of wildlife.

Attractants include items such as scented toiletries like toothpaste and deodorants, pet food and
certain horse pellets. All beverages except water are included, as are empty food and beverage
containers. It is also important to remember general bear safety in bear country. Carry bear spray
and have it readily accessible, travel in groups, make lots of noise and watch for signs of bears in
the area, and hike during daylight hours. Keeping a clean camp is essential for your safety, the
safety of other forest users, and wildlife.

For further information, please contact the Bozeman Ranger District at 406-522-2520.

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