Montana’s grizzly bears continue to increase in both area density and geographic distribution. As a result, it is more important than ever to proactively prevent human-bear conflict from occurring.
Near NCDE West of Choteau/Augusta, along the mountain front, this remote cabin’s 5 ½ foot tall generator shed contains no attractants, though the structure itself has a history of use as a bear rub post by both black bears and grizzly bears. See post from 2023, https://qr1.be/VAYK
FWP partnered with the landowner to install this electric fence, which is preventing property damage from occurring, increasing human safety, and aversively conditioning individual bears to avoid human structures. The landowner strongly believes this is the same individual bear that returns yearly and that he has lost a lot of weight due to the breeding season and depleted fat reserves.
FWP bear management specialist Chad White says, “Electrification is among the most effective, safe, and applicable bear management tools used to protect private property and teach bears to avoid human structures and food sources.”
This collaborative project found effective bear management solutions while also satisfying landowner needs and interests.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST GRIZZLY BEAR
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