Bear Aware Program

The Ninemile Bear Aware Program had its kickoff meeting in May, 2009. About 20 people gathered at the Ninemile Ranger Station to learn about the program and how to live in bear country thanks to presentations from Jamie Jonkel and Erin Edge, who manage bears in our area for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The Bear Aware Program developed the following objectives:

1. Keep residents and MTFWP informed about bear sightings and conflicts

2. Reduce and prevent human-bear conflicts

3. Alert neighbors when bears are nearby

4. Promote hunter safety in bear country

We have divided the Ninemile and Sixmile areas into three sections. People who live in those sections can work with a coordinator to either report problem bears or to be notified when there is a potential problem bear near their home. You can also contact any of the coordinators to get additional information about the program or how to become more bear-savvy.

• Upper Ninemile section is coordinated by Pat Sweeney, 626-1610, ingarden@peoplepc.com
  


• Lower Ninemile section is coordinated by Melissa Reynolds-Hogland, 626-1627, melissa@beartrust.org

• Sixmile area is coordinated by Rickie van Berkum, 626-4587, fhvb55@gmail.com

Several families from throughout the area have signed up to be in the program and we want to encourage everyone who is interested to join. It's simple to do and it's free! Just contact one of the coordinators with your contact information and you'll be periodically updated on bear activities in your area. Even if you haven't signed up, contact one of the coordinators if you observe bears hanging around houses, eating things they shouldn't be eating, or if you sight a grizzly bear.

We also help coordinate the distribution of low cost, high quality bear spray canisters with holsters for only $20.00, and the rental or purchase (below-cost) of bear resistant containers for storing animal feed and garbage. If you want more information on living with predators, you can visit the Living With Predators website. Please feel free to contact any of the coordinators with questions, suggestions or bear reports.