The Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force has taken the lead in promoting bear spray within grizzly bear habitat in Montana and elsewhere in the Northern Rockies. We, along with 18 other organizations and numerous individuals, have petitioned the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission to require hunters and trappers to carry readily accessible bear spray while hunting and trapping in grizzly bear habitat.
The Commission will consider the proposed rules at its October 15th, 2026 meeting. We are doing media interviews, sponsoring information tables, distributing fact sheets and handbills and producing Public Service Announcements for media broadcast.
Proposed Rule for Bear Spray
Download the Proposed Rule (PDF)
Bear Spray Fact Sheet:
FLB Citizen Task Force Fact Sheet in Support of Carrying Readily Accessible Bear Spray in Grizzly Bear Habitat. Download the Fact Sheet (PDF)
Petition:
Task Force et al. Petition to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & parks to Require Hunters and Trappers to Carry Readily Accessible Bear Spray While in Grizzly Bear Habitat in Montana. Download the Petition (PDF)
Article:
Flathead Beacon Article on the Task Force et al. Bear Spray Petition – Flathead Beacon, August 16, 2026 (Download the Article (PDF)
