Big Sky Times

The Beartooth Ranger District closed the Greenough Lake and Parkside Trail area on May 8 due to complaints of aggressive bear activity, according to NBC Montana.

After receiving multiple reports of bears acting aggressively, the Greenough Lake Parkside Trail was closed. A loop was created by the closure, which begins at the intersection of Forest Road 2421 and the Parkside Trail and continues south to the second intersection of the Parkside Trail and Forest Road 2421, which is located north of MK Campground.

According to Amy Haas, who is the Acting District Ranger for the Beartooth Ranger District, a boar grizzly bear that was exhibiting both defensive and aggressive behaviors was spotted in the Greenough Lake and Parkside Trail area by staff from the U.S. Forest Service and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. They have decided to close the area until the bear has moved on, since there is a large number of dead fish in the lake, most likely as a result of flooding and prolonged ice coverage. There are also other sources of food in the surrounding area.

The area will remain closed until the bear has moved on from the region. This is for the protection of the general population, as well as to prevent any unneeded contact with the local wildlife. Although the Greenough Campground is now closed for the season, it is expected to reopen for Memorial Day weekend.

To get in touch with the Beartooth Ranger District, please call (406) 446-2103, go to their Facebook page or the Custer Gallatin National Forest website.