Five metal storage containers were installed at the Bear Creek Campground in July, completing the deployment of 39 bear-proof containers that were delivered to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest...

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Five metal storage containers were installed at the Bear Creek Campground in July, completing the deployment of 39 bear-proof containers that were delivered to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in 2024 as part of a partnership between the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the U.S. Forest Service to keep people safe and bears wild. On a hot, sunny, and unusually humid July morning in southwest Montana's Madison Valley, three GYC colleagues and I joined a partner from the Forest Service to install the bear bins. With these final five containers, each campsite at the Bear Creek Campground now has a designated bin. GYC staff from left to right: Grace Lemen, Julia Barton, Erin Steva, and Sierra Harris. Photo GYC. Grizzly bear populations are making a remarkable comeback, and as they return to forests like the Beaverhead-Deerlodge—and more people than ever are living and recreating in bear country. When used properly, these containers reduce conflicts between people and bears and keep bears from becoming habituated. The boxes are easy to open—assuming you have opposable thumbs and not big bear paws—by pulling a latch inside the covered handle. Campers should then store all food and other bear-enticing items like toiletries, dog food, and trash...

Free demo open now — paper trades only during beta