Living in Bear Country

Living in the Northern Rockies means sharing the landscape with diverse wildlife, including
grizzly and black bears. When you live in bear country, it’s important to take proactive measures to prevent the risk of conflicts. Bears are naturally curious and have an exceptional sense of smell, which often leads them to human-related food sources such as garbage, pet food, bird feeders, outdoor grills, compost, and even unprotected livestock feed. Taking precautions to secure these attractants will keep you and your property safe and wildlife wild.

Below are some examples of ways to secure attractants where you live:

• Garbage – Use bear-resistant trash containers and only put garbage out on collection
  day.
• Pet Food – Never leave pet food outside, and store it in a bear-resistant container.
• Bird Feeders – Take down feeders when bears are active (spring to fall) or use
  alternatives like birdbaths.
• BBQ Grills – Burn off grease, clean thoroughly, and store them inside when unused.
• Gardens & Fruit Trees – Pick ripe fruit promptly, clean up fallen fruit, and build an
  electric fence around them.
• Small and Large Livestock – Install an electric fence around your livestock to protect
  them from bears.