Yaak Valley Forest Council PROJECT BRIEF

In northwest Montana’s Yaak Valley, one of the most endangered grizzly populations in the Lower 48 faces a precarious future. With fewer than 30 bears remaining, every individual—especially reproductive-age females—is critical to the population’s survival. To reduce the risk of human-caused mortality, the Yaak Valley Forest Council partnered with Vital Ground to lead a comprehensive bear-aware education and conflict-prevention campaign across Lincoln County. The effort focused on helping residents secure attractants, use nonlethal deterrents and adopt bear-safe practices that protect both people and wildlife.

In 2025, the organization hosted bear-aware outreach at 22 community events, distributed educational materials, and spoke with hundreds of residents about coexistence strategies. A valley-wide mailer provided practical guidance for preventing conflicts and accessing bear-safe products. Two community apple-pressing and bear spray training events helped remove attractants while teaching participants how to respond safely in bear country. Vital Ground funding supported the educational mailer and staff time for these outreach efforts, helping foster a culture of coexistence and giving this small, vulnerable grizzly population a better chance at recovery.