Ripening apples drawing hungry Montana bears

Associated Press

MISSOULA, Mont. - Western Montana bear sightings made a sharp increase early this week, and a wildlife expert said ripening fruit is to blame.

The Missoulian reported bear management specialist Jamie Jonkel of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said the animals are pouring down from higher elevations as apples ripen.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimates there are between 20 and 25 bears eating domestic fruit in the Missoula area.

Jonkel said it has been a "weird year" for fruit in western Montana, with apples, hawthorn berries and other species ripening early. He said calls are continuously coming in about bears in apple, plum or pear trees.

On his department's website, Jonkel advised people to pick fruit as soon as possible and consider using electric fences to protect fruit trees.