In 2004, a group of local citizens concerned about recent increases in bear/human conflicts coordinated with state agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop a Bear Aware program for the Seeley-Swan region.  A number of meetings and education programs were held to determine the issues surrounding the Seeley Swan.  Garbage was the number one reason bears were approaching residential areas.  Working with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Defenders of Wildlife, The Living with Wildlife Foundation, The Swan Ecosystem Center, Brown Bear Resources and The Blackfoot Challenge, the Seeley Swan Bear Aware group planned a community “Bear Fair”, bought bear-resistant dumpsters for local businesses and schools, and set up the bear-resistant checkout program. 

     Over the last couple of years the bear-resistant bin checkout program has been a great success.  Bins are available for checkout from the garbage transfer site.  These 95 gallon containers can be used to keep wildlife from accessing garbage or other non-natural foods which attract bears.  Check out our “securing attractants” link for more information.

     The Swan Ecosystem Center (SEC) continues to check out bear-resistant dumpsters to local businesses in need of a temporary solution.  This has been highly successful for the Swan region.  There are also electric fence kits that can be obtained through FWP that will effectively secure attractants.  Working with a number of organizations, agencies and residents, the Seeley Swan Bear Aware group has increased awareness of how to co-exist with wildlife in the region.

      In 2005-2006 bear/human conflicts decreased because the availability of ample natural foods such as berries.  This was good for bears but resulted in less participation by residents in the Bear Aware program.  In the spring of 2006 Defenders of Wildlife hired a Bear Aware Coordinator for Seeley Lake.  An assessment of attractants found that garbage continues to be the major concern for businesses and residents.  Sadly, many of the bear-resistant dumpsters previously purchased had failed.  A number of goals have been set for 2007.  These include, but are not limited to: hosting a bear fair, increasing education programs, developing a new system for securing attractants (especially garbage), conducting door to door educational efforts and renewing local meetings.