The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Grizzly Bears’

Orphaned Grizzly Cubs Going to Bearizona Wildlife Park

Working jointly, staff from Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found a home for three grizzly bear cubs that were orphaned last month. ... more

Big Game Hunters Need to Be Bear Aware on Front

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Grizzly bear sign on the Rocky Mountain Front has led to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist to remind hunters to be bear aware.... more

Archery Hunter Breaks Arm in Grizzly Bear Attack Near Gardiner

By JOLEEN TADEJ - An archery hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear Saturday near Gardiner, sustaining wounds to his arm and face.... more

Grizzly Bears Reported Out on Rocky Mountain Front

Just in time for the beginning of spring, grizzly bears have been reported out on the Rocky Mountain Front.... more

Bird Hunter Shoots, Kills Charging Grizzly Near Front

By BRUCE AUCHLY - A pheasant hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear Nov. 4 near Pendroy along the Rocky Mountain Front that charged him.... more

U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Delists Grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem

By GREG LEMON - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem will be removed from the Endangered Species List.... more

Hunters Must Expect to See Bears

With Montana's upland game bird season opening Sept.1—and the bow hunting season set to open Sept. 6—remember that slow moving, quiet and camouflaged hunters will soon be encountering bears.... more

Prevent Conflicts With Bears

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Here are some tips from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that will help in preparing for bear-safe outings this summer.... more

Keep Backyards Bear Resistant

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Bear activity is picking up in many Montana neighborhoods and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking residents to keep bear attractants contained.... more

Hunters Beware: Two Grizzlies Spotted on Sun River near Simms, Fort Shaw

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Two separate grizzly bear sightings since Sunday near the Sun River west of Great Falls have prompted state wildlife officials to alert homeowners and hunters in the area.... more

Most Grizzly Bears Still in Their Dens…But Not for Long

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Grizzly bears on the Rocky Mountain Front are still mostly snug in their dens, a state grizzly bear specialist says. But recent warm weather will make them emerge quickly.... more

Montana’s Hibernating Grizzly Bears Will Soon Be Stirring

Adult males usually emerge first from winter dens in mid-March. When bears emerge from their dens they are physically depleted and food is a priority. ... more