 Bears lead a risky life sharing the Swan Valley's rich, natural habitat with humans. Not only are they occasionally hit vehicles but we also lure them into our backyards by careless management of garbage, pet food and other attractants, forcing wildlife officials to manage the bear for our protection. Swan Ecosystem Center is working with partners to protect bears and humans and prevent property damage. The Swan Valley Bear Resources help people avoid conflicts with bears and other wildlife.
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Grizzly Bears testing a bear resistant trash container.
These containers are available on a lease-to-own or loaner program. |
Bear resistant trash containers now available for Swan Valley residents.
We have a large supply of bear resistant trash containers available for loan or purchase. Since their natural food sources are scarce in spring, bears are likely to get into trouble with food attractants. Consider obtaining a bear resistant trash container early this spring for use throughout the summer and fall. For details, contact us at (406) 754-3137 or swanec2@blackfoot.net.
When bears find pet food, stock food, garbage, bird feed, fruit or compost in your yard, they quickly learn to return for more rewards. Bears that have become accustomed to humans usually are killed as a result of our carelessness.
Let's do our part to protect bears and our families by following a few simple rules:
- Store pet food and garbage indoors.
- Feed pets indoors or bring uneaten food inside.
- Bring bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, inside at night.
- Pick fruit as it ripens.
- Keep coolers, refrigerators and freezers inside even if empty.
- Clean and securely store barbeque grills inside.
- Avoid planting clover; it is not native and it is becoming a favorite of bears.
- Do not leave food or garbage in your vehicle.
- Secure all odorous products, including motor oil, paint and antifreeze.
- Secure all odorous products from your saunas, outdoor showers and other outbuildings such as soaps, shampoos, toothpastes.
- Close windows and doors before leaving home.
- If you compost, protect with electric fencing.
Stop in at our office to review videos and pick up literature that will help you coexist with wildlife.
Thanks to several grants and donations, we have been able to supply all Swan Valley businesses with bear-resistant dumpsters. Funding partners: Defenders of Wildlife; Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund; Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; Swan View Coalition; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and generous private donors.
We offer Living With Wildlife packets for new and longtime residents. Realtors are encouraged to provide these packets for their clients.
SEC Committee Partners: Flathead National Forest; Living With Wildlife Foundation; Lolo National Forest; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; Northwest Connections; Seeley Lake Bear Aware; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; volunteers.
January 20, 2010
Biologist predicts grizzly bears' removal from endangered list
by CHRIS PETERSON of the Hungry Horse News
Our Swan Valley Bear News is published each spring and fall, offering tips for preventing human and bear conflicts and providing up to date information about bear research and local bears. Download the Spring 2010 Bear News (PDF).
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