MONTANA — Montana's berry crop is failing this year, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), and hungry bears are increasingly showing up in neighborhoods and communities looking for food.
FWP specialists across the state are reporting bears that would usually be feeding in the mountains are getting into garbage, pet food, bird feeders and backyard livestock areas near communities.
Jamie Jonkel, a bear conflict specialist in the Missoula area, said this summer stood out.
“This year is panning out to be one of the worst natural food failure years on record,” Jonkel said in a release. “Our regional bear team is working around the clock, and we are asking the public to be patient and to please be diligent with containing all attractants.”
FWP said both black bears and grizzlies are finding easy meals around homes, especially from unsecured trash. The agency also reported growing problems tied to chicken coops and small livestock as those setups became more common around the state.
“Uncontained garbage is by far our biggest issue, but over the last 20 years we have also seen a huge increase in chicken and small livestock related conflicts,” Jonkel said. “If you have backyard livestock like chickens or goats, it is critical that you have them secured with a hot-ground/multi-wire electric fence and FWP can help if you have questions.”
In Jonkel’s area, wildlife staff responded to more than 250 black bear incidents in the last two months. Many involved bears getting into chicken coops near homes.
FWP Region 1 bear and lion conflict specialist Justine Vallieres said residents have a big role in keeping people and wildlife safe.
“We really need your help this year,” Vallieres said. “We live in an area with a high density of both black and grizzly bears, and when natural food sources are low, we all play a role in keeping our communities and wildlife safe. Being proactive about securing attractants can make a big difference, because even if you haven’t had a bear visit before, there’s always a chance one could pass through.”
FWP urges people to keep garbage and recycling in bear-resistant containers and indoors until collection day. The agency also said to bring in pet and livestock food, remove bird feeders, clean grills after use and pick ripe backyard fruit quickly.
The agency said electric fencing could help protect fruit trees, gardens, compost piles and backyard animals such as chickens, goats and sheep.
Residents can find bear conflict specialist contacts through FWP’s area offices or on the agency’s bear conflict webpage.
Originally published on montanarightnow.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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