Electric fences used to keep bears away

Electric fences are now being used to ward off bears in Lincoln County and for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear management specialist Kim Annis, the fences are an effective way to prevent conflicts with people.

The fences have already been installed at two Libby homes, Annis said.

Annis said electric fencing is one of her primary tools in resolving bear conflicts in the area because they are simple and effective. Residents living in bear country can use fencing by participating in a loan program that allows for the use of a temporary electric fence for the spring, summer or fall seasons. Prior bear conflicts are not necessary to obtain a fence, as the goal is prevention not correction.

We work for the residents and the bears, Annis said. We dont want to chase conflicts around as they happen, but prevent them before they do. Electric fencing does work and it can work for more situations than people may be aware of.

The loan program may be a temporary source of prevention; however, through the efforts of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Defenders of Wildlife, a non-profit organization, a long-term solution is available. Defenders of Wildlife will reimburse 50 percent of costs associated with electric fencing used to protect bear attractants, with a limit of $500. The organization has helped more than 100 residents with fences in the past four years.

Libby resident, Joel Chandler, had a fence installed by Annis three weeks ago. Chandler doesnt have fully enclosed indoor location to store his trash, so Annis loaned and installed a 50-foot electrified net fence and energizer for bear prevention.

The fence works great, Chandler said. It went from a constant problem to no problem at all.

While more people are becoming aware of the electric fencing program, the reason for the program is perhaps the most important preventative measure.

Bears are one-time learners, Annis said. All it takes is for them to get into a persons trash, one time, and they know they can get it again. It is like learning your ABCs, once you know it, you know it.

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Electric fences used to keep bears away