Living in Bear Country

Bears can smell food and trash from miles away, and once an easily accessible food source is identified, they will return, which is not only dangerous for people, but food-conditioned bears are often killed when they become a nusisance.

Request a Bear-Resistant Cart

Protect Montana Wildlife

SECURE YOUR TRASH

When used properly, bear-resistant carts help keep garbage contained and limit access to attractants that encourage bears and other wildlife to visit your property.
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Bear-resistant carts are available as an optional enhancement to your Evergreen Disposal collection service.

Upgrade to a Bear-Resistant Cart today!

→ Click here to get started! ←

COLUMBIA FALL RESIDENTS

Under City Ordinance 8.16.040, it is unlawful to accumulate garbage in a manner that is readily accessible to bears and other large predator animals.

‍City Ordinance Link
Wildlife Safety Tips

Smart Habits to Keep Your Property Safe from Bears

Living close to nature is a privilege, but it also comes with responsibility. Following a few simple habits can help keep your home, family, and local wildlife safe—especially in bear-prone areas. These tips reduce the risk of attracting bears and encourage peaceful coexistence with the environment.

  • Secure Waste & Food Sources
    Store garbage in a bear-resistant cart and keep waste, pet food, and compost indoors or in locked structures until pickup.
    Request Bear-Resistant Cart
  • Manage Outdoor Attractions
    Remove hanging bird feeders between April and November, pick up fallen fruit, and clean grills when not in use.
  • Protect Small Animals & Crops
    Use electric fencing to secure chickens, bee hives, and other small livestock from potential wildlife encounters.

Resources and Reporting

Educational Information

To Report Bears on Your Property

Northern Flathead and Lincoln County:
Justine Vallieres
(406) 250-1265

Southern Flathead County:
Erik Wenum
(406) 250-0062
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Lincoln County to Eureka:
Garrett Tovey
(406) 291-1320

Printable Resources for Residents & Homeowners

To Anonymously Report a Bear Sighting

Submit an Anonymous Bear Sighting Report
MCA 67-6-216

Unlawful supplemental feeding

(1) A person may not provide supplemental feed attractants to game animals by:

  • Purposely or knowingly attracting any cloven-hoofed ungulates, bears, or mountain lions with supplemental feed attractants;
  • After having received a previous warning, negligently failing to properly store supplemental feed attractants and allowing any cloven-hoofed ungulates, bears, or mountain lions access to the supplemental feed attractants; or
  • Purposely or knowingly providing supplemental feed attractants in a manner that results in an artificial concentration of game animals that may potentially contribute to the transmission of disease or that constitutes a threat to public safety.