Methow Valley Bear Aware PROJECT BRIEF

In Washington’s Methow Valley, residents are preparing to live with grizzlies that aren’t even there yet. With black bear conflicts increasing, the valley had reason enough to conduct a bear hazard assessment last year. Located near the North Cascades Ecosystem and just south of the Canadian border, there is also an increasing likelihood of grizzly presence in the area from either natural migrations or intentional relocations under the Endangered Species Act.

The results from the assessment made it clear to Methow Valley Bear Aware that securing garbage attractants was the top priority, especially around the town of Mazama. In 2025, grant funding helped maintain staff capacity for the fencing program and support the Methow Bear Coalition, the valley’s community bear-aware working group. The program also partnered with Defenders of Wildlife and Home Range Wildlife Research to host bear spray demonstrations for outdoor retail staff, equipping them to share accurate safety information with visitors. Together, these efforts are reducing current black bear conflicts while preparing Methow Valley communities for the eventual return of grizzlies to the North Cascades. These proactive measures will help these rural communities be ready when more bears, including grizzlies, come through the area.