The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission in its February meeting approved increasing the fall black bear quota in Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Bear Management Unit 700 from eight to 12 bears.

Indicators used by FWP biologists to assess black bear numbers suggest that black bear populations in southeastern Montana continue to grow and expand.

“Since our inaugural black bear season in 2006, black bears have continued to flourish and expand across southeastern Montana,” said Regional Wildlife Manager John Ensign. “What once were rare occurrences, black bear sightings and especially sighting...