As residents and visitors of Clearwater County begin to enjoy their summer vacations outdoors following June’s heavy rains, members of the public are reminded to keep bear safety in mind.

Clearwater County has a Bear Sighting Reports page that contains helpful links and information on how to report a sighting, and how to identify the different types of bears.

According to county officials, Clearwater County encompasses 18,691 square kilometres of rich and diverse landscape and has an abundance of wildlife. The website notes there are many viewing opportunities for both residents and visitors. Whether you’re a visitor (hunter, angler, camper, hiker), or a resident (farmer, rancher, acreage owner), officials acknowledge there are situations that may occur where wildlife may pose a conflict with your activity or livelihood.

The county notes that the confluence between the foothills and agricultural land provides bears with attractants that are nutritious and readily available.

According to the county’s current Bear Activity Report, there have been several bear and cougar sightings throughout the region over the past week:

Grizzly Bear Sighting – MVC – July 6, 2026

In the evening on July 5, a grizzly bear was photographed by a trail camera NE of Bergen. (info from land owner)

Grizzly Bear Sighting – MVC – July 5, 2026

In the morning on July 5, a grizzly bear was seen along a creek N of Water Valley. (info from land owner)

Black Bear Sighting – CC – July 3, 2026

On July 2, a black bear was seen along the forestry trunk road N of Teepee Pole Creek. (info from motorist)

Black Bear Sighting – CC – July 3, 2026

On June 29, a black bear was seen in the Crescent Falls area. (info from motorist)

Black Bear Sighting – Red Deer County – July 2, 2026

In the morning on July 2, a black bear was on the front deck of a residence E of Red Lodge Provincial Park – it was scared away by sounding an air horn. (info from land owner)

If the presence of a bear or other wildlife is a safety concern or a nuisance to property, contact the 24 hour toll-free Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. If the situation is a public safety emergency, call 911.

• The observation date, place and time of the sighting.
• Your name and contact information (all personal information will remain confidential)

• The species (Grizzly, Black Bear, etc.)
• Number of animals; Whether male or female / with or without cubs
• Detailed information about the area: Whether facility, residential, rural, acreage or urban.(GPS coordinates if possible)
• Animal activity at the time (eating, etc.)