Bigfork Eagle editorial

Good move

Grizzly bears are a natural part of Montana's landscape. But it can obviously be a bit disconcerting to have one on your back porch.

Recently a female grizzly and her two male cubs got a little too close to their human neighbors after they rummaged through garbage, dog food, and a freezer in a Ferndale carport.

Instead of needlessly destroying the animals, Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley relocated the trio in the Swan Valley.

After catching more than 100 different bears since 1993, Manley is definitely an expert. Manley reported that since 1993, 84 percent of the grizzly bears captured in management situations are released back into the wild and 16 percent were removed from the population—either sent to a zoo or euthanized.

Manley not only works with bears, he also works with area residents so that they may be able to identify attractants on their property. Bird seed, garbage, and animal feed are all particularly tasty to a bear.

If possible, keep garbage cans inside a closed garage, and keep dog and cat food inside. It is simple to secure those items, and it is proactive. After all, you wouldn't invite a bear to dinner, right?

When a bear invites itself, however, the circumstances surrounding the intrusion play a key role in the consequence.

Although it is rare and a last resort for a bear to be destroyed, human safety is of the utmost concern.

Each individual case is evaluated and guidelines are adhered to whenever a bear is captured. Manley said that the bear's activity and history are taken into consideration.

Radio collars have been essential in tracking bear movement and pattern. For the most part, the bear has wandered into a residential area and discovered an easy meal.

In addition to securing bear attractants, there are some other things people can do to prevent close contact with a bear.

Electric fencing is usually effective at keeping bears at bay, Manley noted. Bears are very intelligent and consequently pick up on things after one incidence.

If a bear gets close to your home, Manley suggests banging pots and pans repeatedly from a secure location within the house. The noise will usually frighten the animal away.

The recent grizzly bear attack on two hikers in Glacier National Park also serves as a reminder to be bear aware on the trail.

Carry bear pepper spray when hiking in the back country. Also, make a lot of noise so that you don't, by chance, take a bear by surprise. Know what bear signs look like—digging, scat, etc., so that you, in turn, aren't taken by surprise.

When it comes to the subject of grizzly bears, there is a certain amount of polarized opinion—from "The only good grizzly is a dead one," to "They were here first and should be allowed to roam at will."

Extremism is always counterproductive, and very much so in this instance. Montana is bear country. As with all things, common sense is always a good move when it comes to bears.Grizzly bears are a natural part of Montana's landscape. But it can obviously be a bit disconcerting to have one on your back porch.

Recently a female grizzly and her two male cubs got a little too close to their human neighbors after they rummaged through garbage, dog food, and a freezer in a Ferndale carport.

Instead of needlessly destroying the animals, Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley relocated the trio in the Swan Valley.

After catching more than 100 different bears since 1993, Manley is definitely an expert. Manley reported that since 1993, 84 percent of the grizzly bears captured in management situations are released back into the wild and 16 percent were removed from the population—either sent to a zoo or euthanized.

Manley not only works with bears, he also works with area residents so that they may be able to identify attractants on their property. Bird seed, garbage, and animal feed are all particularly tasty to a bear.

If possible, keep garbage cans inside a closed garage, and keep dog and cat food inside. It is simple to secure those items, and it is proactive. After all, you wouldn't invite a bear to dinner, right?

When a bear invites itself, however, the circumstances surrounding the intrusion play a key role in the consequence.

Although it is rare and a last resort for a bear to be destroyed, human safety is of the utmost concern.

Each individual case is evaluated and guidelines are adhered to whenever a bear is captured. Manley said that the bear's activity and history are taken into consideration.

Radio collars have been essential in tracking bear movement and pattern. For the most part, the bear has wandered into a residential area and discovered an easy meal.

In addition to securing bear attractants, there are some other things people can do to prevent close contact with a bear.

Electric fencing is usually effective at keeping bears at bay, Manley noted. Bears are very intelligent and consequently pick up on things after one incidence.

If a bear gets close to your home, Manley suggests banging pots and pans repeatedly from a secure location within the house. The noise will usually frighten the animal away.

The recent grizzly bear attack on two hikers in Glacier National Park also serves as a reminder to be bear aware on the trail.

Carry bear pepper spray when hiking in the back country. Also, make a lot of noise so that you don't, by chance, take a bear by surprise. Know what bear signs look like—digging, scat, etc., so that you, in turn, aren't taken by surprise.

When it comes to the subject of grizzly bears, there is a certain amount of polarized opinion—from "The only good grizzly is a dead one," to "They were here first and should be allowed to roam at will."

Extremism is always counterproductive, and very much so in this instance. Montana is bear country. As with all things, common sense is always a good move when it comes to bears.