Pictograph Vandalism and New Montana Area For Grizzly Sighting

Possible expansion of grizzly bear territory and a shameful desecration of a popular state park attraction are in our Montana outdoor notes.

BEAR IN THE BANGTAIL

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that staff members have confirmed a grizzly bear sighting in the Bangtail Range east of Bozeman. FWP grizzly bear specialists confirmed the sighting this month after a trail camera captured images of a single subadult grizzly bear on National Forest land.

This is the first time a grizzly bear has been formally documented in the Bangtails since grizzly bear recovery efforts began. The sighting is not far from areas with previously documented grizzly bear presence, including a grizzly bear of similar size that was seen traveling along the Yellowstone River in Livingston this fall, as well as one observed in the Shields Valley in 2023.

These cases serve as a reminder that grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood of encounters in more places each year. Montana FWP says people should be prepared to encounter grizzly bears anywhere in the western two-thirds of the state.

STATE PARK PICTOGRAPH VANDALISM

Game wardens with FWP are seeking information on a pictograph panel that was vandalized at Missouri Headwaters State Park.

The graffiti was discovered at a popular destination for park visitors that contains a visible pictograph consisting of a human figure in solid red.

An initial assessment of the vandalism indicates a person likely used a paintbrush to paint over a portion of the existing pictograph and made about 10 markings in other areas of the limestone panel. This may have also damaged other pictographs at the site that are not readily visible.

CULTURAL TIES THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD

This culturally sensitive site and the surrounding area have ties to many different groups of indigenous peoples dating back thousands of years. The area includes the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers to form the Missouri River, and it hosted a camp for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.

Removing graffiti without damaging existing cultural resources can be extremely difficult and expensive.

READ MORE: Montana Fly Fishing Fans Will Love 'The Art of the Angle' Exhibit

Anyone with possible information about this incident is encouraged to visit the "TipMont" website, or contact a game warden. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.