09/29/2026
A fed bear is a dead bear. That saying exists because it's true.
The good news is that most of the attractants drawing bears into Lincoln County neighborhoods are completely manageable. Garbage, pet food, compost, bird feeders, backyard chickens, pigs, livestock feed; these are the things that teach bears that human spaces mean food. Once a bear learns that, it can't unlearn it.
Here's what Montana FWP recommends for keeping your property unattractive to bears this fall:
Store garbage in an IGBC-certified bear-resistant bin or in a secured building at all times. Bring in pet and livestock food. If you feed pets outside, do it during the day and clean up anything spilled or uneaten. Keep compost in a bear-resistant container. Take down bird feeders during active bear season. Secure chickens, goats, sheep, and pigs with electric fencing or inside a well built, closed structure at night.
If you're having ongoing trouble with bears on your property, you don't have to figure it out alone. People and Carnivores, one of our Apple Festival donors, offers free assistance to NW Montana residents including electric fencing installation around chicken coops, livestock pens, and orchards, and bear-resistant garbage cans. No cost. Just call.
And if a bear is actively getting into your things, displaying aggressive behavior, or posing a safety risk then contact Garrett Tovey, Montana FWP Wildlife Biologist and Bear Conflict Specialist based in Libby: 406.291.1320. That's the call to make.
The Apple Festival Bear Fair is this Friday, October 2. Come meet the people doing this work, practice with bear spray, and be part of a community that looks out for one another.
📅 October 2 · 11 AM – 5 PM · Troy Museum Grounds
Pick your trees. Press em' down. Keep the bears out of town.
