Montana Grizzly Encounter

A Privately Owned Grizzly Bear Rescue & Education Sanctuary
Currently: Open with Spring Hours

Admission Rates and Special Offers

Experience the wonder of grizzly bears at an affordable rate. Our pricing structure accommodates visitors of all ages:


  • Adults (13 and older): $12.50
  • Seniors (65+): $11.50
  • Children (4-12 years old): $10.50
  • Children 3 years old & under are Free
  • Military Discount: $2 off with a valid ID
  • Passes are good for two consecutive days!


For those who can't get enough of our grizzly friends, season passes are available, offering unlimited access to the sanctuary. Every purchase contributes to the care of our rescued grizzlies and supports our educational mission.


School groups are warmly welcomed for an immersive educational experience, free of charge. Please contact us to schedule your visit. Support conservation education by joining us at the Montana Grizzly Encounter!

Visiting Hours at

Montana Grizzly Encounter


Montana Grizzly Encounter welcomes you to explore and learn at our sanctuary during various seasons. Our opening hours are tailored to provide the best experience.



  • Spring (March 1st): 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday–Sunday
  • Summer (June 1st): 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Wednesday–Monday
  • Fall (September 1st): 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday–Monday
  • Winter (November 1st): 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Thursday–Sunday
  • All hours are weather permitting.



Each visit offers a unique perspective on grizzly bear behavior and conservation. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about these magnificent creatures. Plan your visit now and be a part of our mission!


Don't Wait...

Get Your Tickets Now!

General admission tickets and season passes are available!
Buy Tickets Here

Feeding and Caring for Our Grizzlies

At Montana Grizzly Encounter, our rescued bears require a substantial daily food intake, especially in the fall to prepare for winter. Unlike their wild counterparts, our bears remain active year-round, demanding continuous feeding and care. The longevity of our bears, surpassing the typical wild lifespan, demonstrates our unwavering dedication to their well-being and reflects our commitment to these majestic animals.


As an educational Grizzly Bear Rescue Sanctuary that receives no government funding, Montana Grizzly Encounter depends on the support of patrons for survival and growth. Your contribution is crucial for providing a great home for rescued grizzly bears and working to ensure the conservation of their wild counterparts. While donations aren't tax-deductible, they are invaluable to our mission. Join us in making a difference for these majestic creatures. If you wish to donate materials, refer to our wish lists for currently needed items.

Support Us Today

Shop Grizzly Souvenirs

Grizzly Gifts offers an array of exclusive merchandise, perfect for commemorating your visit to our sanctuary. Our collection ranges from stylish t-shirts  to elegant jewelry. Sip your favorite beverage from our beautifully designed mugs and glasses, each item reminding you of the unforgettable experience with our grizzlies. Every purchase, from practical apparel to charming accessories, supports our mission of rescue and conservation. Explore Grizzly Gifts for a special memento or a thoughtful gift.

Shop Now

Our Grizzly Family

Our sanctuary is home to a family of rescued grizzly bears, each with a unique story and personality. From the playful antics of our youngest members to the wise, gentle nature of the elders, these grizzlies are not just animals under our care but individuals who have overcome challenging pasts. We've created an environment that mirrors their natural habitat, ensuring their physical and mental well-being. Our bears are ambassadors, helping us educate visitors about the importance of conservation and the role these majestic creatures play in our ecosystem. Come meet them and witness their remarkable journey from rescue to sanctuary life.

Meet Our Grizzlies

Inspiring Visitor Testimonial

Discover the impact we've made through the words of our visitors. Read their reviews to see how a visit to our sanctuary can be a life-changing experience.

Casey Anderson

Casey Anderson is an Emmy nominated filmmaker, an adventurer and explorer. He has spent the last three decades traveling the world, capturing nature and wildlife through the camera lens. Born and raised in Montana, Anderson spent his childhood exploring the vast wilderness that was his backyard and by the age of eighteen, Casey was guiding wildlife filmmakers into remote locations to track and film the most elusive wild animals. At twenty-six, he co-founded the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a sanctuary for grizzly bears saved from inhumane situations. As a television personality, Casey has been seen on Nat Geo WILD, BBC, PBS, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and has been a regular contributor to Conan & Oprah. He has made it his mission to bring his love of the wild to the hearts of the world, instilling a drive to conserve untamed and untouched wild places. He makes his home in Paradise Valley in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem with his wife, two daughters, and son.

Visit Casey's Website

Appreciating Our Supporters

Montana Grizzly Encounter would like to thank those who have and continue to support us by asking you to support them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do your bears hibernate?

    No! Bears are not true hibernators and only hibernate out of necessity due to lack of food or a female giving birth. With daily feedings and the assurance that our bears are all fixed to prevent cubs, they enjoy year-round activities. Even in the winter, they revel in the joy of frolicking in the snow, showcasing their playful nature.

  • Do you allow your bears to breed?

    Breeding bears in captivity is completely unethical. Bear cubs require 2-3 years in the wild with their mom to learn the essential skills to survive. Without this crucial tutelage, their chances of longevity in the wild diminish significantly. Moreover, we refrain from increasing the captive bear population to preserve space for potential future rescues. All our bears are fixed, eliminating the possibility of bear cubs being born at our sanctuary. Beyond ethical considerations, spaying and neutering also decrease the chances of cancer among our resident bears.

  • Do you release your bears to the wild?

    When we rescue a bear from the wild or a bad captive situation, we make a lifetime commitment to them. Unlike black bears, in the United States, rehabilitating grizzly bears is illegal and impractical. Due to their high intelligence and keen sense of smell, any feeding activity imprints human scent on the food, posing a significant danger if released near people. This inherent risk makes successful rehabilitation nearly impossible without placing the bear thousands of miles away from human habitation. Unfortunately, in the U.S., finding such remote areas without human presence is a challenging task.

  • Can I pet the bears?

    Ensuring the safety of both our visitors and bears is paramount, and for this reason, there is absolutely no direct contact between the two at our sanctuary. Our bears retain all their natural tools—claws, teeth, and formidable strength. Introducing a situation where a bear could physically interact with visitors not only jeopardizes the safety of the visitor but also poses risks to the bear. Our top priority is the comfort and safety of our bears.


    To facilitate close viewing without compromising safety, we've implemented protective measures. A deep dry moat and short electric fencing effectively separate visitors from our bears, creating a secure viewing area. This setup allows for an intimate viewing experience without the inherent dangers associated with bear encounters in the wild.


  • What do your bears eat?

    Our bears enjoy a diverse diet comprising a wide array of foods. From berries, nuts, dried fruits, yogurts, to peanut butter, and more, they are treated to a variety of treats daily. For dinners, they are served a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, and meats. Variety is key, as offering the same food two nights in a row would prompt curious looks from our discerning bears. While each bear has their own favorite foods, avocados are universally beloved. Skilled at peeling off the skin and leaving the pits behind for cleanup, our bears relish this nutritious treat.

Send us a Message

Please feel free to submit any comments or questions you have; we welcome your feedback and inquiries.

Share by: