18 Montana Organizations Call for Mandatory Bear Spray for Hunters and Trappers

A coalition of 18 Montana conservation organizations and 46 individuals has submitted a formal petition to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks asking the agency to require hunters and trappers to carry readily accessible bear spray while hunting or trapping in grizzly bear habitat.

This is a common-sense proposal focused first and foremost on public safety. Just as Montana requires hunters to wear hunter orange to help prevent accidental shootings, requiring readily accessible bear spray is a proven way to reduce serious injuries and deaths for both people and grizzly bears.

At Save the Yellowstone Grizzly, we believe this is one of the simplest and most effective steps Montana can take to reduce unnecessary conflicts in grizzly country.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ own data show that Defense of Life killings of grizzly bears have increased dramatically in recent years, far out of proportion to increases in both the grizzly bear population and human activity. Many of these incidents involve hunters, and in numerous cases, bear spray either was not carried or was not readily accessible when it was needed most.

Science overwhelmingly supports the use of bear spray. Research cited by both Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee found that bear spray successfully stopped aggressive grizzly bear behavior in 92% of encounters, while 98% of people carrying bear spray escaped injury. Unlike a firearm, bear spray is designed to stop the charge without killing the bear, allowing both the person and the animal to survive the encounter.

As our board member Dan Sullivan stated:
“Hunting (in Montana or anywhere in the Northern Rocky Mountains) without readily accessible bear spray should never be optional. Only mandatory as it has been proven to protect people as well as animals.”

Hunters and trappers often move quietly through thick vegetation, respond to bugling elk, approach gut piles, or work around baited traps—all situations that increase the likelihood of surprising a grizzly bear. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has also documented at least 27 grizzly bears caught in wolf and coyote traps, with experts believing the true number is likely higher. Having bear spray immediately available gives hunters and trappers another option when these encounters occur.

This petition comes at an especially important time. Federal officials continue to pursue policies that would transfer more authority over grizzly bear management to the states while also advancing efforts to remove Endangered Species Act protections. If Montana wants greater responsibility for managing grizzly bears, it must also demonstrate a commitment to reducing preventable bear mortality.

Mandatory bear spray is not about limiting hunting opportunities. It is about encouraging responsible behavior in grizzly country and giving hunters and trappers the best available tool to safely resolve bear encounters without unnecessary loss of life.

At Save the Yellowstone Grizzly, we believe protecting people and protecting grizzly bears go hand in hand. Requiring readily accessible bear spray is a practical, science-based policy that will help save lives, reduce conflicts, and support the long-term recovery of grizzly bears across Montana.

Download the Bear Spray Proposed Rule (PDF, 516kb)
Download the Mandatory Bear Spray Press Release (PDF, 295kb)

In The News
Montana Grizzly Advocates Want Bear Spray Mandatory for Hunters, Trappers, Cowboy State Daily, July 22, 2026