Paintballing Grizzlies: A Dangerous Approach for People and Wildlife

Helena, MT— Last week, the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior has approved paintballing by the public to haze grizzly bears, a threatened species protected under the Endangered Species Act. The method of paintballing to deter bears is already gaining substantial pushback from experts who say the method is high risk, and could result in unintended consequences such as increased aggression from bears toward people. Bears could face substantial harm if shot in the face, and through ingestion of paintballs if left on the ground, which have also been shown to attract grizzly bears.

In response to the decision, wildlife biologists released the following statements:

“Using a paintball gun on a grizzly is an unacceptable and unproven practice. I view this as wildlife harassment, and something that could put people in more danger. Paintball shots could actually drive bears to be more aggressive. We must practice safer, more responsible coexistence practices,” said Dr. Barrie Gilbert, Wildlife Research Biologist and author of “One of Us: A Biologist’s Walk Among Bears.” 

“It is highly unlikely that being hit with a paintball would in any way contribute to deterrence of bears. Even with the right tools, and even under the best of conditions, this type of method is a rarely successful tactic when used on bears motivated to find food. This will likely put people in more danger. Instead, it is time to fully implement successful coexistence practices— like electric fencing, guard dogs and bear spray— so people can safely recreate and live in grizzly country without fear,” said Dr. David Mattson, Research Wildlife Biologist.