Bears awake, lion sighted in River's Edge Park

“Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” Dorothy exclaims in the Wizard of Oz.

The Columbia Falls area may be short on tigers, but the bears are awakening and a lion was reportedly sighted at River’s Edge Park near the fish pond Sunday morning, according to police logs.

Last year a lion was shot prowling around near the popular park. Police thought they shot and killed a second lion, but it was never found and reports kept popping up about sightings.

Lions are not uncommon creatures along the Flathead River.

On the bear front, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has noted bears are awakening and roaming about.

Folks are reminded to be “bear aware” by carrying bear spray while hiking and making noise. At home, garbage should be secured, chickens enclosed in electric fences, dog and animal feed secured inside and bird feeding should stop for the summer.

As a reminder, it is illegal to knowingly feed deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, and bears. Putting out salt blocks and deer blocks is illegal unless it is for livestock.

Residents are encouraged to report bear activity. To report grizzly bear activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call FWP bear management specialists at (406) 250-1265. To report black bear and mountain lion activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call (406) 250-0062. To report bear activity in the Cabinet-Yaak area, call (406) 291-1320.

For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/species/grizzlyBear.