A Bear-y Eventful Morning in Billings as Bear Stirs Up a Buzz

Local law enforcement and one adventurous bear took center stage on the Southside of Billings on Monday morning.

Bear Spotted on the Southside

Today was just another quiet Monday… until it wasn’t. The Billings Police Department began the day by investigating reports of a black bear roaming near King Avenue East and Jackson Street. Yep, a bear. Just out for a casual stroll on a Monday morning.

Bear Watch in Progress

Billings Police Officers quickly got on checking the area and made a request to the public that if anyone spotted the bear not to play hero but instead to call dispatch and let the professionals handle the fuzzy situation.

FWP Was Not About Rushing In

The Billings Police Department contacted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), who were made aware of the situation. Their response? They’d come out if the bear turned into a nuisance. Translation: if he started digging through garbage or started acting like a jerk, then it would be go-time.

READ MORE: Montana Considers Big Changes to Wolf Hunting Rules

Still Not a Nuisance

In the meantime, officials asked the public to stay alert and report any unruly bear behavior. Think neighborhood watch, just with more claws and a lot less paperwork.

Flash Bang Made His Exit

At 12:10 p.m., law enforcement safely pushed the bear, now affectionately known as Flash Bang, southward and out of the city. He even crossed the interstate without incident just like a model citizen with fur and four legs.

Get our free mobile app

Police: Thanks for Bearing With Us

The Billings Police Department gave a well earned shoutout to the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Highway Patrol for helping resolve what they dubbed a “furry issue.” No arrests. No property damage. Just one bear, peacefully relocated with a whole lot of help from some brave humans who have quite the story to share at the dinner table tonight.