COLUMBIA FALLS \u2014 The City of Columbia Falls has adopted an emergency ordinance to reduce bear and wildlife attractants due to increased bear activity around the community.<\/p>\n
Emergency Ordinance No. 846 establishes temporary citywide measures to reduce bear attractants, prevent human-wildlife conflicts and protect public safety.<\/p>\n
The measure is based on recommendations from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks with a goal to increase education, awareness, and voluntary compliance, not aggressive enforcement.<\/p>\n
The ordinance’s key requirements include:<\/p>\n
Garbage containers may not be placed at the curb before 4:00 a.m. on collection day.Outdoor garbage and food attractants must be secured in a garage, shed, or bear-resistant container, or other secured area.Pet food and animal feed should not be left outdoors overnight.Commercial dumpsters must remain closed and secured.<\/p>\n
In a social media post, city officials stated that for the first two weeks, the city will focus on education, outreach and written warnings whenever practical.<\/p>\n
The post also stated that enforcement will generally be reserved for repeat violations, documented bear conflicts or immediate safety concerns.<\/p>\n
There are other recommendations for remaining bear aware. Those include:<\/p>\n
Removing ripe and fallen fruit.Removing bird feeders.Securing coolers, grills, and other scented items.Considering bear-resistant containers and electric fencing where appropriate.<\/p>\n
Columbia Falls is not the only community seeing increased bear activity. Last week, two grizzly bears were spotted swimming in Polson Bay<\/a> and lounging on a dock near the local golf course. <\/p>\n Earlier this month, two young grizzly bears near Lincoln were euthanized<\/a> after 10 days of bold behavior and raids on chicken coops and grain.<\/p>\n