Montana’s Biggest Fear Isn’t Bears, It’s This Everyday Nightmare

Montanans are a tough bunch. We’ll face down a blizzard, wrestle with a frozen gate latch in the dark, and walk barefoot across goat heads before we complain. But according to a nationwide survey, there is one thing that rattles a lot of us and it’s not bears, ghosts, or even public speaking. It’s something a little more claustrophobic.

Montana’s Number One Fear: Getting Trapped

The survey, done by MRO Electric, found that Montana’s biggest fear is getting stuck in a small or enclosed space. We’re used to space in the form of wide-open highways, big sky stretching forever, and room to breathe. So the idea of being trapped in an elevator, wedged in a crawl space, or stuck in a tight cave? Yeah, hard pass. You can toss us into a snowstorm without cell service and we’ll survive just fine, but close the doors and take away the exits? Game over.

America’s Fears Go Beyond Monsters and Into Real Life

Across the United States, fears like public speaking, heights, snakes, and deep water topped the charts. A lot of states also listed spiders and clowns in the horror category. But the survey didn’t stop at jump scares it also brought up the “adult fears,” like losing money, job insecurity, and environmental disasters. Turns out, we’ve got more on our minds than just what’s under the bed.

READ MORE: The Walls Still Scream in This Haunted Montana Building

Montanans Aren’t Built for Cramped Spaces

If you grew up around nature and open land, you know that tight spaces just feel wrong. Our bodies aren’t built for getting wedged between drywall and ductwork. Even being packed shoulder to shoulder in a crowded store aisle can feel like the walls are closing in. Out here, we like exits, preferably more than one of them. If there’s not enough elbow room to turn around and stretch, it’s officially a no-go.

Claustrophobia Is a Statewide Personality Trait

The best part of surveys like this is realizing how normal our fears really are. You might think you’re the only one who panics at the idea of a stuck elevator or a locked bathroom stall, but apparently, most of the state is right there with you. I’d rather be afraid of tight spaces than be unfazed by them. Having self preservation instincts seems perfectly reasonable.

If You Panic in Tight Spaces, Take a Breath and Ground Yourself

Maybe it’s as simple as knowing you’re not alone. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot (literally), don’t feel silly for freaking out. Take deep breaths. Look for airflow. Picture yourself standing on a ridge with the wind on your face and miles of nothing in every direction. That’s your natural habitat, not the air vent behind a drywall panel.