CSKT expands bear-resistant garbage can program

In an effort to prevent human-bear conflicts associated with unsecured garbage, the Wildlife Management division of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is increasing the focal distribution area of its Kodiak Bear-Resistant Garbage Can Loaner Program to include communities that grizzly bears are currently expanding into, or are likely to expand into in the near future.

Anyone who lives in bear habitat within the Flathead Indian Reservation and self-hauls garbage to the Lake County Transfer Station or other designated container sites is eligible for the program.

Wildlife Management has a limited number of 65-gallon bear-resistant Kodiak garbage cans available for distribution. There is a donation fee of $15, which can be paid via check, debit or credit card (no cash please). The money collected will go into an account to purchase additional cans. Due to high cost and demand, there is a limit of one loaned Kodiak can per household.

Visit the CSKT NRD-Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation & Conservation Permit office at 406 6th Ave. E. in Polson from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to register.

Residents must self-haul garbage to a depository station on a regular basis to ensure that the can does not overfill, and the lid must remain closed and latched properly at all times.

Residents who have Republic Services should contact their representative, as bear-resistant options are available. Call 406-676-4330 or 406-543-3157 for more information.