Bear problem in Whitefish getting worse

Bear expert Erik Wenum says at least one bear is roaming the streets of Whitefish at any given moment. Sometimes they’re just passing through. More often, however, they’re in search of easy treats like fallen fruit, bird seed or a tipped over garbage can.

Wenum, with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, says the bear problem in Whitefish is serious and getting worse. He’s already taken 55 calls this year about bears in the city.

“We’re in a bad trend and I think it’s going to get worse,” Wenum told Whitefish City Council at their May 20 meeting.

“Your problem is significant,” he said. “The good thing is that it’s easily solved.”

Wenum says trash management is the biggest issue.

It’s not uncommon for a bear to walk down Dakota Avenue and knock over every trash can on the street. It’s time for Whitefish to formulate a proactive plan to deal with urban bears, Wenum said.

A current city ordinance prohibits residents north of Denver Street and Bay Point Drive from putting their trash out before 4 a.m. on garbage pickup day.

Wenum says that ordinance should be city-wide and better enforced. He says there is no excuse for residents who don’t abide by the ordinance.

“Some people say they don’t have time in the morning to roll out their garbage can,” Wenum said. “But those same people spend 20 minutes picking up garbage spread around the neighborhood.”

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial agrees that the city needs to hold residents more accountable.

“It’s not the bear’s fault,” Dial said. “We need to hold people more responsible for their actions.”

Council agreed to look into the issue.

Bear resistant trash containers are available by calling the city at 863-2456.