Montana Prohibits Feeding Game Animals and Predators

MCA 87-6-216 prohibits providing supplemental feed attractants such as grain, fruit, or salt that lure ungulates, bears, or mountain lions. The intent is to reduce disease transmission, vehicle collisions, and human-wildlife conflict. Inadvertent attractants like unsecured garbage and bird feeders accessible to bears can trigger warnings and citations from FWP wardens. Some exceptions exist for incidental livestock feed and traditional bird feeders during non-bear seasons. The statute applies statewide regardless of local zoning, and FWP may seek abatement of attractants creating dangerous wildlife habituation.

Feeding game animals is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 plus potential restitution; second offenses may include hunting license revocation.