Bear Aware

Nine times out of ten, bears that repeatedly get into attractants (wildlife-biologist-talk for trash, bird feeders, barbeque grills, and pet food) around our homes are eventually euthanized. Please help save Big Sky’s bears from this needless outcome by learning to help keep your residence bear-friendly.

· Order a bear-resistant trash can. Contact Allied Waste at 406-586-0606 to establish your lease or purchase your container TODAY.

· Place all trash outside your home on the morning of scheduled collection. Estimated collection times for Summer/Fall 2011 are:

Meadow Village – Monday 6AM

Sweetgrass Hills – Monday 7AM

North Fork-Lost Trails – Monday 8AM

Mountain Village and Cascade – Monday 9AM

Aspen Groves – Friday 7AM

· Otherwise, store trash containers securely inside. If you observe a neighbor has placed a trash container out too early, store it in your garage until the appropriate collection time. NEVER put your trash container out at night.

· Eliminate bird feeders around your property. Feed pets inside and store all pet dishes inside (water dishes too!).

· Do not put out salt licks, grain, or deer blocks to attract wild animals as these create areas of concentrated animal scent that will then draw in bears and mountain lions. These attractants are also illegal in the BSOA and the appropriate enforcement agency will be notified.

· Use native plant landscaping wherever possible. Be aware that a watered lawn with lush grass, clover, and dandelions is an attractive feeding site for bears.

· Close all windows when not at home or when cooking.

· Clean grills and smokers after every use and properly dispose of meat scraps, fish parts, or other food remains from outdoor dining. If possible, store your barbeque inside when not in use.

· Lock your vehicle at night.

· Talk to your children about bears and how to avoid them.

· Have a plan in case a bear comes inside your home and keep bear spray handy.

· Never approach a bear in your yard – always give bears an escape route and never crowd or harass a bear.

Additional Resources

Keystone Conservation works to protect and restore native predators and their habitats in the Northern Rockies. BSOA has partnered with Keystone Conservation for the past two summers to educate our community about living with wildlife. Check out the Keystone website at http://www.keystoneconservation.us/ or contact their bear biologist, Tim Bennett at tim@keystoneconservation.us.

A good at home resource is Living With Bears: A Practical Guide to Bear Country. A copy is available to borrow at the BSOA office or you can check a copy out at the Ophir Library.