Rattlesnake Bear Task Force

Bear Alerts & Announcements

Alerts:

August 5, 2008: Berries are a natural food resource for bears and we are seeing good levels of serviceberry in the Rattlesnake. This may quiet bear activity in the Rattlesnake neighborhoods for a short period of time. However, high bear activity has been sighted in the Greenough Park / Lower Rattlesnake / Pineview park area. We are suggesting that if you recreate in the Rattlesnake that an experienced adult carries bear spray. This is especially true if you run early in the morning or in the evening as this is the time that bears are more active. Runners should always be aware of their surroundings. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at mtnrin@yahoo.com. I do have inert training canisters of bear spray if you would like to know more about using this product.

July 11, 2008: The 3 young subadult black bears first reported below on July 9th are still trying to access garages in the Madera and Elk Ridge areas of the Upper Rattlesnake.

It is extremely important that people in or around these streets keep all attractants secure and call Fish Wildlife and Parks (542-5500) if you see or have a conflict with these bears. There are traps set to catch all three of these bears. These bears will be euthanized. Please contact FWP if you see these bears. They have already accessed garages and one home. Do not approach these bears!

**A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear**

July 9, 2008: 3 young subadult black bears, two cinnamon and one black, have learned to access garages and homes in areas of the Upper Rattlesnake. On July 8th they broke into a home. There is currently a trap set to remove these bears from the population. These bears learned this behavior by visiting a home where garbage was an issue in the past. This home was then vacant for 14 days. In 14 days these bears recieved a very positive food reward when they found a freezer full of meat and other food in a garage. They preceded to get into two more garages before entering a home on the 8th.

March 14, 2008: Two different bears have now been seen in the Rattlesnake neighborhoods. One is brown-phase and the other is black-phase. If you see a bear please fill out our bear sighting form and send it to MDFWP (address on form) or you can email it to Erin Edge at mtnrin@yahoo.com. We are also looking for pictures of any 2008 bears.

December 28, 2007: Bears are still active in the Rattlesnake!! We have bear activity in the Rattlesnake. There is a lone bear working the valley for garbage and bird feeders and last week there was a report of a female with a sub adult on a dead deer.
**We have a sudden influx of bears in the Rattlesnake. I know of at least ten individual bears, maybe more, in the valley at this time. I'm sure that they are coming down for the last hurrah--apples, etc. Now is the time that everyone should be on high alert with all attractants contained. (10.3.2007)

Bears are trying to bulk up for their winter slumber. The dry summer has left little food resources for them to eat.
It is VERY important to keep all attractants away from bears!!!
It is also against the law. If you are caught feeding bears you may face a fine!
If you have any questions please call Erin Edge Bear Aware coordinator 406-531-6007.
Announcement dated: 9.4.2007

**ALERT:

A blond phase black bear has been spotted a number of time at the Rattlesnake trailhead.
* He does not seem afraid of humans.
* Please keep dogs on leash and children should be kept close near the trailhead. (6.28.07)

**ALERT:

A black bear was euthanized in Grant Creek after repeatedly breaking into vehicles. Grant Creek is seeing heavy bear activity. There are multiple bears that are showing signs of habituation in this area. At this time there have been only a few reports out of the Rattlesnake but please be aware that this could change at any moment and it is important that attractants are secure. Let me know if you would like more information or brochures to give to friends, family or neighbors. (5.17.07)

Erin Edge
phone: (406) 531.6007
email: mtnrin@yahoo.com

**ALERT: Over the weekend we had several bears move into Grant Creek. One of these bears is getting into garages and cars. In addition, the dumpster on Bench Road is getting hit again. We set a culvert trap on Monday. I have one report of a bear in upper Rattlesnake Creek--no conflicts. Please give folks in the Grant Creek, Butler Creek and Rattlesnake drainages the heads up that it's time to run a tight ship.
The bears are out!!! (4.25.07)

**Attention: Bears have been seen in the Rattlesnake neighborhoods already this year. This means it is time to pull in or secure your birdfeeders, and make sure garbage is not accessible to bears. Also, a young female mountain lion was recently removed from the area around Greenough. She had been living and hunting deer in a neighborhood. Please remember that the Rattlesnake is an urban environment in a wild place and to always pay attention to your surroundings. Any questions please feel free to call or email me. (2.20.07)
Thank you!
Erin Edge, RBTF Coordinator

**We are planning to restart meetings in April or May and would love any interested parties to contact
Erin Edge at mtnrin@yahoo.com or 406-531-6007 (2.20.07)

Attention:

Bears are inhabiting the lower portions of
the valley for natural foods.

Please contain your garbage, pet food, livestock feed, bird feeders, food attractants and pick your fruit trees.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Teach bears to keep away,

not come and stay!