Swan Valley Bear Resources PROJECT BRIEF

In northwest Montana’s Swan Valley and surrounding communities, preventing conflicts starts with securing attractants and building a strong culture of coexistence. With support from Vital Ground, Swan Valley Bear Resources expanded conflict prevention and education efforts across the greater Bigfork, Ferndale and Swan Lake areas in 2025. Grant funding helped distribute 34 bear-resistant garbage containers and supported the construction of 14 permanent electric fences to secure attractants such as chickens, goats, compost, gardens and orchards.

The program also reached hundreds of residents through community presentations, festivals, bear spray trainings and local media outreach. Volunteers and partner organizations worked together to share bear-aware practices, assist neighborhoods and businesses with attractant management, and promote bear-smart community initiatives. By combining practical tools with hands-on education, Swan Valley Bear Resources is helping residents reduce conflicts and create safer conditions for both people and bears.