Bear Resistant Garbage Containers Available

SWAN VALLEY - Swan Valley Connections (SVC), formerly Swan Ecosystem Center, has bear resistant garbage containers that can be placed on Swan Valley residents’ property to lessen the chance of bear conflicts. The bears have emerged and are searching for food.

Since there have been bear sightings reported in the Swan and near Seeley Lake, it is a good idea to make sure attractants are properly stored or located far from the house. According to Fish Wildlife and Park’s (FWP) Be Bear Aware website, bear attractants include:

• Bird Feeders

• Household Garbage

• Pets and Pet Foods

• Beehives

• Fruit Trees

• Compost Piles

• Carcasses

According to SVC Conservation Director Luke Lamar, containers can be loaned out to residents of the Swan Valley watershed for an indefinite time with a suggested donation. They also can be purchased from SVC for $260.

SVC can deliver the containers to the homeowner’s site. Lamar encouraged residents to call SVC to reserve a new container that are arriving this week. Callers can receive more information about securing bear attractants.

Contact Swan Valley Connections at 406-754-3137 or email info@svconnections.org for more information about the bear resistant garbage containers that are available on a first come first serve basis to borrow or buy.

Visit fwp.mt.gov to get more tips on how to avoid bear conflicts. There is advice on using bear spray, safe camping and hiking, bear resistant products and a guide on how to discourage bears from coming on a resident’s property.