BOZEMAN, Montana – Living in Bozeman means sharing a landscape with remarkable wildlife, such as bears. To help prevent conflicts and ensure these animals remain wild, the City of Bozeman’s Solid Waste division has started a pilot program, offering a limited number of bear-resistant trash bins to neighborhoods within city limits that bears frequent the most.

 
“Garbage is the number one attractant for bears so securing your garbage is the best way to protect yourself and bears,” Takami Clark, Communications & Engagement Manager for the City of Bozeman explained. “Doing this will help bears live longer in their natural habitats.”
 
The bear resistant trash bins are special bins that are compatible with city trucks and provide secure storage of garbage as they are difficult for bears to open. Due to the higher cost of buying and maintaining the bins, the city has a limited number available and has prioritized neighborhoods that experience the most bear conflicts. Bins cost $5 per month in addition to the current tote charge.

 
Having a bear-resistant trash bin is one of the best ways to mitigate conflict and keep bears wild. However, those who do not have access to a bear-resistant trash bin can also help to prevent conflict by keeping garbage totes indoors until the morning of pick-up.
 
“The city will continue to watch this program closely as time goes on,” Clark said. “If successful, we hope to get funding for further bear bins and to implement this in more neighborhoods around the city.”
 
More information on bear-resistant trash bins can be found online at https://bit.ly/bozemanbears.

Over a dozen emergency response agencies from across Gallatin County are taking part in a training exercise to better prepare our area first responders for an active killer situation.

The exercise will be on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Sacajawea Middle School in Bozeman. It will run from 4 to 10 PM.

School parents and neighbors can expect to see lots of emergency vehicles in the area during the training.

This exercise aims to train law enforcement and several fire departments to work as cohesive teams when entering scenes where there is still potential threat. The exercise will hit on topics such as victim retrieval, transport, treatment, and transfer.

Our agencies have a strong history of working and training together. This exercise will build upon these solid relationships to help our community be better prepared for some of the worst-case scenarios.

The training is made possible by a grant secured by Gallatin County Emergency Management.

Emergency response agencies participating include:

• Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office
• Gallatin County Emergency Management
• Gallatin County 911
• Bozeman Police Department
• Belgrade Police Department
• Montana State University Police Department
• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
• Montana Highway Patrol
• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Authority Police
• Bozeman Fire Department
• Central Valley Fire Department
• Hyalite Fire Department
• Big Sky Fire Department
• Amsterdam Rural Fire District
• Hebgen Basin Fire Department
• Gallatin Gateway Rural Fire District
• Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center

Many thanks to Bozeman School District for the use of their facility, and to American Medical Response, Manhattan Rural Fire District, Fort Ellis Fire Department, and Bridger Canyon Fire Department for supporting the training.

BOZEMAN – Recognizing that differences in language and tradition can prevent separate cultures from uniting toward a common goal, the Montana Pollution Prevention Program at Montana State University is working to incorporate traditional ecological practices of Indigenous peoples into pollution prevention programs for tribal communities.

The project will be funded by a $350,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant, which was presented at MSU on Monday by Jennie Romer, EPA’s deputy assistant administrator for pollution prevention. Romer said that of all the pollution prevention, or P2, grants awarded nationwide, MSU’s “is one I wanted to be able to highlight” personally.

In presenting the award, Romer was joined by several Region 8 EPA officials at MSU’s American Indian Hall, a symbolic venue not just because the grant will benefit tribal communities but also because AIH is the first building in Montana to achieve the highest ranking in United States Green Building Council’s sustainability rating system, LEED Platinum 4.1.

“The building makes a statement – it’s a part of the environment, not apart from it,” said Walter Fleming, head of MSU’s Department of Native American Studies, as he showed off the building and grounds to the visitors. It was the first of many tours the EPA officials had in Bozeman as they took a firsthand look at the P2 work being done in the community under the auspices of the Montana Pollution Prevention Program, also known as MTP2.

While the grant will pay for the focus work in tribal communities, it also will fund two new components of MTP2’s EcoStar award program, through which area businesses are assisted with implementing pollution prevention measures to reduce solid and hazardous waste, maximize efficiencies, conserve energy and water, improve air quality and create more sustainable business models, said Jenny Grossenbacher, MTP2 director.

She explained that businesses in Montana’s Indigenous communities have been slower to embrace such practices, in large part due to cultural and language barriers.
“We realized we weren’t reaching as far as we hoped,” Grossenbacher said.
The grant work will be conducted by Lisa Lone Fight, an MSU alumna, current doctoral student and the senior science adviser of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara, or MHA Nation, of North Dakota. Lone Fight, a member of the nation, said she was “raised in the context of biological science” by her scientist father while being gently schooled in traditional ecological knowledge by her grandmother.

Lone Fight’s work will be conducted in partnership with Salish Kootenai College in northwest Montana, and Grossenbacher said MTP2 also is interested in partnering with other Montana tribal colleges that express interest in the project.
The MSU grant is one of 39 awarded to recipients across the country that will receive nearly $12 million in pollution prevention grants funded by the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which became law in November 2021.
For more information, contact Jenny Grossenbacher at jenniferg@montana.edu or 406-994-4292.

BOZEMAN, MT  — Downtown Bozeman will turn PNK for the entire month of October with pink banners lining Main Street and window decorations at many of downtown’s retailers and restaurants. Community resources and program information is located at PinkBozeman.com, hosted by PNKBZN community partners, with inclusions from other community partners.

 
PNKBZN, a community-wide awareness campaign for the month of October, is the result of collaboration and ideas from local Bozeman organizations: Advanced Medical Imaging, Bozeman Health, Cancer Support Community, Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Montana State University, and Montana State University Athletics, with graphic design support from PRIME Incorporated. PNKBZN seeks to:

 
• Enhance local mindfulness and adherence of following screening guidelines for breast care
• Spread awareness on how to access screenings and diagnostic screenings and other resources
• Increase the community conversation around cancer awareness
• Provide inspirational stories of people in our community who are living with breast cancer
 
“The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 950 women in the state of Montana will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. As of 2018 in the greater Gallatin Valley, approximately one fourth of breast cancers were diagnosed in women under the age of 50. And, while not as common, approximately 2,650 men a year throughout the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. October was designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 to raise awareness and gain funding for research for a cure, while elevating education around the importance of annual/early screening.

HELENA – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Montana earlier this year. While HPAI cases in wild birds did appear to decline over the summer, there are detections of new cases in parts of the U.S., including Montana this fall. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds.

Some scientists have been concerned that the U.S. would see a resurgence of the virus during the fall migration.  Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is monitoring the situation by testing wild birds that display symptoms consistent with HPAI infection. While HPAI is considered a potentially zoonotic disease, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to consider the risk to people from wild birds to be low.

Since it was first detected in the eastern United States in January 2022, it has spread to all four bird migration flyways, including the Central and Pacific flyways which include parts of Montana.

Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare but can occur, usually after close contact with infected birds. The current risk to the general public from bird flu viruses is low; however, it is important to remember that risk depends on exposure, and people with more exposure might have a greater risk of infection. Although the CDC considers risk of HPAI spread to humans to be very low, Montanans should take precautions when handling game birds or any sick or dead bird they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if a bird is not suspected to have died from a contagious disease, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal.

Raptors are susceptible to HPAI and are typically exposed via eating infected birds. The general recommendation for falconers is to avoid hunting and/or feeding wild birds, particularly waterfowl, during the outbreak. Enhanced biosecurity practices with enhanced cleaning and limiting contact with wild birds or birds from other facilities is also warranted. Sick falcons should be promptly reported to a veterinarian and be quarantined from other birds in the facility.

Bird hunters should follow these simple precautions when processing or handling wild game:

• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Wear disposable latex or rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.
• People and equipment that have been in contact with wild game birds should avoid contact with back yard poultry flocks.
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Wash tools and work surfaces used to clean game birds with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach—one part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water.
• Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination.
• Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Do not keep bird feeders near domestic poultry.

For more information on AI in wild birds, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza, or visit the USGS website at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/avian-influenza-surveillance.

HELENA – Hunting for ducks, coots and geese opens Saturday, Oct. 1.

Here are a few reminders:

• The aggregate daily bag for dark geese in the Pacific Flyway has increased from four to five. Dark geese include Canada geese, cackling geese and white-fronted geese (any geese other than snow, blue and Ross’s geese).
• The Central Flyway is divided into two “zones” in order to increase opportunity. The two zones have different season dates. Zone 2, includes Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone counties and has a split season. To view the season dates, go to https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/migratory-bird or review the migratory bird regulations. Zone 1 includes all other counties in the Central Flyway portion of Montana.

Pheasant season opens Oct. 8. Hunting seasons for fall turkey, mountain grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and partridge are already open. For more information, go to https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/upland-game-bird or review the upland game bird regulations, which include regulations for turkey.

The general season for antelope opens Oct. 8. General seasons for deer and elk open Oct. 22; the two-day youth deer hunt is Oct. 20 and 21.

For more information, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/by-species.

The City of Bozeman, Gender Equality Montana and the Downtown Bozeman Partnership are pleased to announce the completion of a public art installation created by local artists designed to provide a space for celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Downtown Bozeman.
 
Intersection(al) Art features a splash of color around pedestrian crossings located at the curb bulb-outs at the intersection of Black and Babcock Avenues. The purpose of the project is to symbolize the communities’ continued commitment to inclusivity, provide a platform for queer artists to showcase their work, and improve the visibility and safety of pedestrians crossing a high traffic area.

 
Local artists and members of the LGBTQ+ community responded to a call to art and submitted design concepts, artists statements and an implementation plan for review by the City of Bozeman, Gender Equality Montana and the Downtown Bozeman Partnership. The designs were narrowed down to four and nearly 400 community members then voted on their favorite design through the City’s Engage Bozeman platform.

 
The project was made possible by the City of Bozeman, Gender Equality Montana, and the Downtown Bozeman Partnership.
 
For more information regarding the Intersection(al) Art Project, please visit: https://engage.bozeman.net/intersectional-art-project.

Why wait?! The Gallatin County Elections Department encourages voters who need to register or update their registration to do so sooner than later to avoid Election Day lines.

Due to a recent court ruling, same-day voter registration will be permitted on Election Day for the upcoming federal general election on Nov. 8.

Voters can register to vote on Election Day, but can only do so at the Elections Office between 7 AM and 8 PM. Their ballots must be received by 8 PM.

Voters new to Gallatin County, who register on Election Day, will be required to vote provisionally. Their vote will be counted on Monday Nov. 14 once it goes through the Provisional Ballot verification process to ensure election integrity.

Gallatin County Elections staff urges folks to update your voter registration now! Be proactive and avoid long registration lines on Election Day. Depending on crowds, in years past folks have had to wait hours to get registered on Election Day. Come in now and our staff will have you in and out of our office in just a few minutes!

You can check your voter registration information at www.MyVoterPageMT.com. Remember – if you’ve moved or changed your name since the last election, you will need to update your registration.

Our staff makes it quick and easy to get registered. Simply print out this form and fill it out using blue or black ink. Then return it to our office either in person, by email or via email. For email forms, simply take a picture or scan your filled-out form and send it to gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov.

Almost 17 and ready to vote in the upcoming election? Seventeen-year-olds with birthdays on or before Election Day on Nov. 8 can pre-register today!

Please note: Regular voter registration for the upcoming general election closes at 5 PM on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The late voter registration period begins on Wednesday, Oct. 12. During late registration, you must appear in person at the election office to register to vote or make changes to your current registration. Late registration ends at noon on Monday, Nov. 7. Then same-day registration is available on Election Day from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Other recent elections changes

A recent court ruling also updated laws around what is an acceptable form of ID for voting. A student ID is now an acceptable form of identification. Students can provide their current student ID to vote – no additional ID required.

The Gallatin County Elections Office is located at:

311 W. Main St.
Room 210
Bozeman, MT 59715

Reach us at 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov. Find more elections info at www.gallatinvotes.com.

BOZEMAN – As fall approaches and bear activity increases, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff in southwest Montana have recently responded to many reports of bear conflicts. These conflicts stem from a mix of human safety concerns, habituated bear behavior, unsecured attractants and other issues.  

On Sept. 20, FWP bear specialists captured an adult female grizzly bear on private land in the Gardiner Basin. In the weeks prior to the capture, the bear had broken into a fenced compound, frequented a home that had no unsecured attractants or natural foods, and killed chickens secured by electric fencing. The bear was largely undeterred by hazing efforts, which included rubber bullets, paintballs, electric fencing and noise-making devices. The bear also had been captured and relocated twice in prior years because of similar conflicts.  

Due to the recent conflicts and the bear’s history, and in consultation with the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service (USFWS), FWP euthanized the bear on Sept. 21.  

The female grizzly was accompanied by a small cub, which was captured on Sept. 21. The cub will be transferred to a zoo in the coming weeks. 

Montana’s archery hunting season overlaps with the time of year bears are more actively seeking food. Several hunters have reported encounters with grizzly bears this year.    

On Sept. 20, FWP received a report of an adult male grizzly bear that was shot and killed in self-defense by a group of hunters on private land west of Emigrant. The hunters were not injured. FWP and the USFWS confirmed the grizzly bear mortality and are still investigating the incident.  

On Sept. 14, a group of hunters reported they were charged by a grizzly bear near Rock Creek in the Tom Miner Basin. One of the hunters shot at the bear with a pistol, and the bear ran away. The U.S. Forest Service issued a temporary road closure while FWP wardens and bear specialists investigated the incident. After searching from the ground and from a helicopter, no sign of an injured bear or bear tracks were found. The area was reopened with an advisory of high bear activity.  

In recent weeks, FWP game wardens and bear specialists have also responded to numerous conflicts with black bears in residential areas of Bozeman, Belgrade, Big Sky, Helena and Butte. Several black bears have had to be euthanized after they gained access to garbage and other unsecured attractants, creating human safety risks and habituated bear behavior.  

Be Bear Aware 
Unsecured attractants, such as garbage and bird feeders, can lead to human safety risks and property damage. Relocating and releasing bears that have associated human activity with food usually leads to further conflicts because bears often return to the same area where they were captured to look for food. Unfortunately, bears in these situations can’t be rehabilitated, so they often must be euthanized.  

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year. Bears also become more active in late summer and fall as they spend more time eating in preparation for hibernation.  

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:  
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas. 

• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.  
• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.  
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.  
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.  
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.  
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.  
Hunting in places that have or may have grizzly bears—which includes areas of Montana west of Billings—requires special precautions:  
• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.  
• Look for bear sign and be cautious around creeks and areas with limited visibility.  
• Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can alert bears to your presence.  
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.  
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible. 
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during processing, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.  
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.  

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the USFWS, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.  

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear.