A recent bear attack in the Bob Marshall Wilderness is serving as a reminder to all outdoor recreationists to store food sources in a bear-resistant manner.
With backcountry deer and elk rifle season opening on Sept. 15, and general deer and elk rifle season opening Oct. 20, national forest officials are reminding hunters and other recreationists to properly store game meat, food, livestock feed, garbage and all other attractants. In addition, some people may not be aware that soda, beer, juice and other beverages are attractants, even when unopened and in a glass, plastic, or aluminum container.
Forest Service personnel often visit developed campgrounds, boat launches, trailheads and other dispersed sites to check for compliance. Storage of food, garbage and other attractants is restricted during occupancy and use on all national forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and all of the Flathead, Kootenai and Lolo National Forests. These requirements are intended to help avoid attracting bears.
Here are the basics:
When you are not present, all food and attractants must be stored in either a hard-sided camper, vehicle trunk or cab, enclosed horse trailer, approved bear resistant container, or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from the vertical support. In addition, wildlife carcasses that are within one-half mile of a camp or sleeping area must be stored in a bear resistant manner during night-time hours.
Violation of the Food Storage Order can result in a fine. Details about food storage requirements and other bear information can be found on the FNF web page. Click on “Bear Country Safety” on the right side of the screen.