Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreak Endangers Montana’s White-Tailed Deer and Draws Bears
HELENA, Mont. — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) have reported a surge in Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) cases affecting white-tailed deer populations in western Montana.
This viral illness causes rapid mortality, and many deer carcasses have been discovered near local water sources—common gathering spots for these animals during late summer and early fall.
Bears Attracted by Deer Carcasses Ahead of Hibernation
The presence of numerous deer fatalities has drawn both grizzly and black bears to these sites. Bears consume these carcasses to build fat reserves critical for surviving the winter hibernation period.
Such feeding behavior raises the risk of undesired encounters between wildlife and people engaged in outdoor activities in affected areas.
Expert Commentary and Wildlife Considerations
EHD is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.) and typically causes hemorrhaging, lethargy, and sudden death in infected deer. Its prevalence usually peaks late summer when insect vectors are most active.
The congregation of bears around deer remains is a natural but concerning behavior. While scavenging aids bears’ energy accumulation, it may increase bear-human interactions, which can be dangerous.
Wildlife managers advise caution to recreationists in western Montana by:
- Carrying bear spray as a deterrent
- Maintaining vigilance near creeks, ponds, and other water bodies
- Minimizing noise to avoid surprising bears
Given the cyclical nature of EHD outbreaks, monitoring by tribal and state wildlife agencies remains vital to track deer population health and bear activity during this period.
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