People and Carnivores PROJECT BRIEF

In Columbia Falls, unsecured garbage remains one of the leading causes of human-bear conflict. With support from Vital Ground, People and Carnivores partnered with the city and local agencies to replace problem garbage containers with bear-resistant alternatives in high-conflict public areas near the Flathead River. In 2025, this effort funded and installed two certified bear-resistant canisters in heavily used parks, helping remove a major attractant and reduce the likelihood of conflicts.

The project also expanded residential outreach, distributing seven bear-resistant garbage cans to local households and providing guidance on securing attractants such as chicken coops and gardens. By working with partners including Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and local waste services, People and Carnivores continues to track conflict hotspots and plan future infrastructure upgrades—supporting safer communities and helping grizzly bears move more freely between key recovery areas in northwest Montana.