Life in Montana is amazing, but it’s not for the faint of heart. You need to be tough to truly enjoy it here.

Here are 10 reasons why Montanans are the toughest people around:

1. The wildlife doesn’t always stay in the wild.
PROdrburtoni / Flickr
Deer and elk cross the roads. There have been many reports of bears in people’s backyards. Living in Montana means you could come into contact with wildlife in some unexpected places.
2. They have to learn to shovel snow from a young age.
oddharmonic / Flickr
Driveways, roads, cars… if you can’t remove snow from your property, you’re not going anywhere in the winter.
3. They have to get used to being outside in sub-zero temperatures.
Sam / Flickr
It gets incredibly cold in Montana. People in other states might complain about their 25 degree winters, and meanwhile Montanans are plugging in their cars so they don’t freeze and adjusting to going outside in temperatures much lower than zero.
4. Many Montanans know how to fix their own vehicles out of necessity.
Bugeater / Flickr
If your car won’t start, there might not be anyone around to help right away.
5. Their favorite sports are dangerous, but they love them anyway.
Ed Wrzesien / Flickr
Snow sports. Mountain climbing. Whitewater rafting. Bull riding. You name it, if it’s risky, Montanans have tried it.

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6. They’re used to long commutes, and they don’t complain about them, either.
Sean Kimmel / Flickr
In some major cities, it takes an hour to drive a few miles. In Montana, you can drive to another town in less time―so people don’t mind working several cities away from home.
7. Rural Montanans especially have to plan ahead when it comes to things like groceries and household items.
Lindley Ashline / Flickr
When a trip to town is an hour each way, you can’t be running to the store every time you need a cup of flour. Planning ahead, and planning well, is necessary.
8. You have to be tough to work in Montana’s major industries.
Roger W / Flickr
Agriculture, timber and mining all come with their own sets of risks.
9. The summers are fairly short, but they can be hot, so Montanans have to learn to adjust quickly.
Ed Wrzesien / Flickr
Layers are necessary. Knowing how to swim helps.
10. They’re not afraid.
frankjuarez / Flickr
Many Montanans carry concealed weapons or have guns at home. They learn from a young age how to use them, and while they’re not quick to pull a trigger, they’ll defend themselves if necessary without a second thought.

No wonder Google autocompletes “Montana is” with “for badasses!” You’ve got to have a thick skin to live here, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

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