Briefs for May 27, 2020
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White-tailed deer in Gallatin County suspected positive for CWD
News from FWP
Bozeman — Initial test results have identified a white-tailed buck deer in Gallatin County as being suspect for carrying chronic wasting disease.
The deer was euthanized earlier this month in the Springhill area of north Bozeman after displaying several classic symptoms of the disease.
This case is the first detection of CWD in Gallatin County. CWD was first detected in Montana in 2017 and is known to exist along the state’s southern and northern borders, as well as in neighboring states and provinces. The first detection of CWD in southwest Montana was in December near Sheridan.
CWD is a fatal disease affecting the nervous system of deer, elk and moose. Transmission most commonly occurs through direct contact between animals. Carcasses and bodily fluids of infected animals can also be sources of infection for other cervids that come into contact with them.
Since 2017, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has rotated its CWD surveillance efforts around the state. During the coming hunting season, FWP plans to focus part of its statewide surveillance efforts in southwest Montana. FWP is currently reviewing data collected during the previous hunting season and possible management strategies to determine necessary next steps in managing the disease.
CWD is not known to be transmissible to humans; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against consuming animals that have tested positive for CWD. For more information about CWD and Montana’s response, visit fwp.mt.gov/CWD.
Man injured in grizzly bear attack on Sun River
News from FWP
MONTANA – A man was attacked by a female grizzly bear on Sunday morning, May 17, near the Sun River.
The attack left the man with non-life-threatening injuries. The man was part of a group who were floating and camping on the Sun River, west of Augusta. The group was packing up their campsite when the attack occurred at about 8:30 a.m. After stepping into some brush, the man found himself between the female grizzly and her 2-year-old cub.
The group was able to call 911, and the man was carried out by helicopter and taken to a hospital. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks investigated the scene and determined the bear acted as expected during a surprise encounter with a human. Because the bear exhibited what is considered normal and expected behavior, no further action is planned.
Grizzlies can be found throughout western Montana, not just the Rocky Mountain Front, Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Yellowstone Ecosystem. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded, and bears are re-colonizing historic ranges.
Here are some general tips to stay safe in bear country: Inquire about recent bear activity in the area. Carry and know how to use bear spray for emergencies. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Travel in groups of three or more people whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours. Stay on trails or rural roads. Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks and partly consumed animal carcasses. Keep children close.
Make your presence known to bears by talking, singing, carrying a bell, or other means, especially when near streams or in thick forest where visibility is low. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
Use caution in areas like berry patches where bears occur. Don’t approach a bear; respect their space and move off. If you are camping in bear country, follow these guidelines: Camp away from trails and areas where you see grizzly signs. Keep a clean camp at all times. Keep tents and sleeping bags free of odors. Avoid cooking smelly foods. Hang all food, trash and other odorous items well away from camp and at least 10 feet above ground and four feet from any vertical support or store in a bear-proof container. Livestock feed should be treated the same as human food. Don’t sleep in the same clothes you wore while cooking or eating.
Anglers also need to practice safe behavior in bear country: Don’t leave fish entrails on shorelines of lakes and streams. Sink entrails in deep water. If you don’t properly dispose of entrails you increase danger to yourself and to the next person to use the area.
Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show held
SUPERIOR — The 21st annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show will definitely be held on Saturday, June 6, in Superior. It will be presented by Old School Rockers and The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce.
Over 75 Classics, Hotrods, Ratrods, Resto-Mods, Trucks, Late Models and Camper Combos will be on display. There will be 25 trophies presented to winners in numerous categories.
No out-of- state entries will be allowed this year. Social distancing will be observed and there will be six sanitation stations. If you have a compromised immune system, it is recommended that you do not attend. Masks are recommended but not required.
Entry fees for vehicles are $15 by May 30 and after that and the day of the show it is $20. Hours are 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
For any information on the Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show please call Mike Curtin at 406-370-2188.
