Simms Residents Describe Grizzly Sightings

Simms Residents Describe Grizzly Sightings

Tools

By KFBB News Team

Story Published: Oct 13, 2009 at 10:29 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2009 at 10:30 PM MDT

The community of Simms is on the lookout tonight, following recent sightings of grizzly bears. State wildlife officials have issued warnings to those in that area to watch out for the dangerous creatures, who haven’t been near Simms in many years.

Jack Kirby lives and works on a ranch two miles outside of Simms. Recently he encountered some unexpected visitors. He says he has seen a lot in his 60 years here, but what he saw on Friday he won't soon forget."

"I was bailing hay. My cows were acting up and I was wondering what they were all riled up about. I looked out and I saw what i thought was a camel. Then i realized they were bears."

Kirby says he was only 40 yards away from a grizzly and two cubs, who were eating one of his cows. Not far from Kirby's ranch, bow hunter Bill Kelley purchased bear spray after hearing the news.

"The reason I am still not out there is the bears. You don't want to be out after dark when there are grizzlies around."

Just two miles away at Simms school, administrators are keeping a close eye on the situation.

"I'm very concerned,” said Sun River Superintendent Rob Hankins. “There was a sighting just a half of a mile from here at the bridge to Fairfield."

One parent, meanwhile, says he's not too worried.

"We've lived here for nine years and this is a safe community," said Carson Stark. “People call the authorities if one comes close by."

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is investigating and warning area landowners to beware of bears.

"A lady called me today that said there were some more tracks this morning where she lives," Kirby said. “This is just something that happens. You have to live with it.”

Wildlife officials say this year's sightings are highly unusual in the area, and they expect the bears to pass through onto higher elevation, where they will go to hibernate.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls Weather

Icon
Current Temp 51.0 °F
Light Rain
Wind : Southwest at 8.1 MPH (7 KT)
Pressure : 1007.2 mb
Humidity : 100 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather

Helena Weather

Icon
Current Temp 52.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : West at 5.8 MPH (5 KT)
Pressure : 1006.8 mb
Humidity : 89 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Sports Poll Question:

What did you think of the quality of the Bobcats HD broadcast on KFBB?

  • It's the best they've ever looked.
  • I didn't notice a difference.
  • Worse than previous years.

AP Video