Most of us might have had one or two teddy bears in our childhood. But what will you do if a real Teddy shows up around your neighborhood? Residents of Kalispell, Montana, woke up to an unexpected visitor last week—a black bear casually strolling through the streets, right in the middle of town. The bear was spotted early in the morning, leisurely making its way down an urban street, clearly not concerned about the busy humans around it.
While black bears are common in rural areas of Montana, seeing one in town was a rare sight that fascinated both locals and tourists. According to local authorities, the bear was likely searching for food, as many wild animals do during spring when resources are abundant but scattered.
Authorities Respond Quickly—But the Black Bear Doesn’t Rush
The situation could have been dangerous, but thankfully, the bear seemed more interested in exploring than causing trouble. Local wildlife officers, including those from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department, were immediately called to handle the situation. They used non-lethal measures to guide the bear back into the surrounding forests, far away from town.
“Grizzly Bear Euthanized Near Kalispell,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: KRTV NEWS
“It’s not uncommon for black bears to wander into urban areas looking for food, especially in the spring,” said wildlife officer Sarah Matthews. “They’re opportunistic feeders, and towns often have garbage or food scraps that attract them. But we’re always prepared for these kinds of calls.”
Though it’s not every day that a bear roams the streets of Kalispell, the town is no stranger to the occasional wildlife sighting. The officers handled the situation with minimal drama, and the bear was safely escorted back to the wilderness.
Why Do Bears Enter Towns?
A black bear wandered out of the woods. Image via Pexels
Black bears are drawn to human settlements by food sources like birdseed, pet food, and even improperly stored trash. As these animals wake up from hibernation, their hunger drives them to search for anything they can eat. During spring and early summer, when natural food like berries and nuts is still scarce, towns can appear as a convenient buffet.
While black bears generally prefer to stay in the wild, encounters with humans are becoming more frequent, especially as urbanization pushes into bear habitats. Authorities advise residents in bear country to secure their garbage and avoid leaving food out, which can help prevent these types of encounters.
What to Do If You Spot a Black Bear
A black bear on the side of the road. Image via Pexels
If you spot a bear in a populated area, the best course of action is to stay calm and maintain a safe distance. Never approach or try to feed the bear. Experts recommend backing away slowly without turning your back, making loud noises if necessary, or using bear spray (a pepper-based deterrent) to scare the animal off.
While this encounter was surprising for Kalispell, it reminds us that wild animals are still very much a part of our world. Sometimes, they wander a little closer to town than we might expect.
A BS Info Tech graduate with a big heart for animals and an even bigger passion for telling their stories. While tech is my background, writing is where I truly come alive — especially when it comes to wild encounters, animal rescues, and the unbelievable things creatures do.
