Bear-proof trash cans installed at Washoe Park

And just in time, as bear sightings already starting

Last year witnessed a surge in bear activity in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks receiving more reports of bear conflicts in the area than they did from Missoula. 

And with bear sightings already occurring in town, this year the Smelter City will be better prepared as earlier this week the ADLC Parks Department installed 11 bear-proof trash cans at Washoe Park and one more at the West Valley Park. 

The project was a collaboration between ADLC, FWP, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and People and Carnivores, aiming to mitigate such conflicts by limiting their food sources in town. 

ADLC Parks and Recreation Director Joe Ungaretti said that four double-sized bear-resistant cans had been installed along with eight single-sized cans – three throughout the walking path, one at the reflecting pond, two at the pool, four at the splash park, one at the part of the creek on the north side of the park where the ducks gather, plus the one at the West Valley Park in response to bear activity in the Cable Road area. 

"This worked out great, the timing and everything," Ungaretti said. 

Brad Balis, bear management technician for FWP, agreed on the timing, pointing out that bears "are waking up right now."

"I think it's a huge success," Balis said. "It's a really good thing. I'm glad we were able to put it all together."

"That's what's so great about this project – the town of Anaconda working together to put this together," said Kim Johnston, large carnivore prevention specialist with People and Carnivores.

And people are already taking notice, including Kirstie Yeager, FWP wildlife biologist for the Anaconda area.

"I was out in Washoe Park earlier today looking at the new bear-proof trash cans and 'no feeding' signs. I was truly excited to see this new infrastructure in place. I can't overstate the value of this achievement in addressing urban wildlife conflict in Anaconda. I was especially glad to see bear-proof trash cans next to the splash pad and other playgrounds, places where bears have frequently been observed in the past. Installing these trash cans brings us one step closer to realizing a safer place for people and pets as well as for the wildlife that end up in the urban area," Yeager said. "I value the partnership that FWP is building with the Parks Department and ADLC, in general. We are already making progress with the successful effort to secure the park. We hope to keep the momentum moving forward and continue to address other conflict 'hot spots' around town."

And this is just a start. Johnston said the next phase will be to acquire bear-resistant dumpsters and to work with residents on purchasing bear-resistant trash cans for their homes. 

"We are working with the community of Anaconda to reduce conflicts with bears, and help people stay safe living, working and recreating in bear country," Johnston said. If any resident has questions or would like to talk about prevention resources, they may contact her at kjohnston@peopleandcarnivores.org or call (406) 599-9424. 

"We're always looking for ways to increase the bear-resistant infrastructure in town," Balis said.

Balis, however, also emphasized the importance of bear conflict prevention efforts that residents can do themselves. 

"Every time a bear accesses an unsecured food source in town or near a home, it learns to associate that area with being fed. When that happens, folks are unintentionally training the bear to linger or return another time," Balis said. "The main attractants in Anaconda that cause bears to hang around town are unsecured garbage, bird feeders (both hummingbird and seed feeders), pet food, small livestock and livestock feed, fruit trees, BBQ grills and outdoor freezers/refrigerators."

Garbage should never be left out overnight, Balis said. 

"Please store all garbage inside your garage until right before the scheduled morning pickup. If you don’t have a garage, storing your garbage inside a storage shed or utility trailer can also be an effective solution.  If you don’t have any indoor storage option or your schedule doesn’t allow you to put it out immediately prior to pickup, you should consider purchasing a bear resistant garbage can. Cans are available at Anaconda’s Ace Hardware. And save your receipt, People and Carnivores is a conservation organization that has cost sharing options available. P&C strives to help anyone purchase a bear resistant container."

For more information, go to the People and Carnivores website, https://peopleandcarnivores.org.

"Making these subtle changes will reduce the likelihood of having conflicts with bears," said Balis, who also offered the following tips for bear conflict prevention concerning bird feeders, pet food, small livestock and livestock feed, fruit trees, BBQ grills and outdoor freezers and refrigerators: 

• Bird Feeders (seed and hummingbird feeders) - Take down or empty all feeders during months when bears are active, roughly March-December.  Every spring be sure to rake up and throw away any seeds or shells left on the ground.  Although there might not be much there, the shells still contain scent residue that may attract bears

• Pet Food - Store all pet food inside your garage or home.  Never leave cat or dog food out where a bear could gain access.

• Small Livestock and Livestock Feed - Electric fencing is the most effective tool for deterring black bears and grizzly bears.  All small livestock and livestock feed should be contained within an electric fence.  As an additional layer of protection, small livestock should be secured within an enclosed barn or shed at night.  For additional information on installing electric fencing for bears please visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/conservation/wildlife-rep...  Conservation organizations like Defenders of Wildlife will cost share electric fencing materials up to $500.00. For more information you can visit Defenders of Wildlife’s website at: https://defenders.org/ [defenders.org]  If your livestock is for your child’s 4H project please contact Dane Williams with Wildlife Services Non-Lethal Program for fencing assistance.  Dane can be reached at (406) 830-4647.

• Fruit trees - Clean up fruit on the ground and pick all remaining fruit from the tree.

• BBQ Grills - Bears are attracted to grease traps on BBQ grills, people should clean their grill often and store their grill in their garage or a storage shed when not in use. 

• Outdoor Freezers/Refrigerators - Bears can sniff out food stored in outdoor freezers/refrigerators.  People can protect their units by securing them with a lock.  Latches and locks can easily be installed to the outside of refrigerators or freezers.  Or consider using a couple of ratchet straps as an alternative option to secure the lid.

More information can be found on the FWP website, https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware/l....