Connect with us

Uncategorized

Bear basics with Bernadette: Help keep bears wild this Thanksgiving

Avatar photo

Published

on

By Kris Inman Wildlife Conservation Society

It is the time of year to be thankful, and in Big Sky there is a lot to be thankful for. The natural beauty and amenities that bring us to live and recreate here also provide suitable habitat for healthy populations of black bears, as well as grizzly bears as they continue to expand their range beyond Yellowstone National Park.

The great smells of your Thanksgiving feast will draw the remaining bears, still fattening up prior to hibernation, for their last call of food before heading to their winter dens. If you’re frying a turkey, remember that grease is a strong attractant—the same is true for your turkey carcass. Store cooled fryers inside after use and dispose of grease, and the turkey carcass, in a bear-resistant trash can to keep bruins from getting into trouble.

Trash left on top of a container is not something bears will be thanking you for. Access to garbage can condition bears to seek out anthropogenic food and become bolder—including breaking into cars and walking through open garage doors. Eventually, this will put both you and the animal in danger. Ensure that garbage is placed inside the trash can and it’s latched properly.

If you don’t have a bear-resistant can, keep trash indoors before your scheduled pickup, or better yet, convert to a bear-resistant can from L&L Site Services or Republic Services. It’s approximately $7 more per month to make this change, and bears will be thankful for this small concession to keep them wild.

Don’t forget to post photos of bear sightings and check in with Bernadette Bear on Instagram @bearsmartbigsky and #bernadettebear. Help support Bernadette in her campaign to create a more bear-safe and bear-aware community in Big Sky.

Upcoming Events

november, 2024

Filter Events

02oct(oct 2)5:30 pm26nov(nov 26)5:30 pmAmerican Legion Fall Bingo(october 2) 5:30 pm - (november 26) 5:30 pm Riverhouse BBQ & EventsEvent Type :OtherEvent City:Big Sky

07oct(oct 7)5:30 pm13nov(nov 13)7:45 pmFree Spanish Classes in Big Sky with World Language Initiative(october 7) 5:30 pm - (november 13) 7:45 pm Big Sky Medical Center - Community Room (2nd Floor)Event Type :EducationEvent City:Big Sky

14oct(oct 14)5:30 pm20nov(nov 20)7:45 pmFree Spanish Classes in Big Sky with World Language Initiative(october 14) 5:30 pm - (november 20) 7:45 pm Big Sky Medical Center - Community Room (2nd Floor)Event Type :EducationEvent City:Big Sky

15oct(oct 15)4:00 pm16nov(nov 16)12:00 pmBASE Youth Basketball(october 15) 4:00 pm - (november 16) 12:00 pm BASEEvent Type :SportsEvent City:Big Sky

Advertisements

X
X