09/23/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE: Emergency Ordinance to Reduce Bear and Wiildlife Attractants
The Columbia Falls City Council has adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 846, establishing temporary citywide measures to reduce bear attractants, prevent human-wildlife conflicts, and protect public safety following increased bear activity throughout the community and recommendations from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
The goal is education, awareness, and voluntary compliance, not aggressive enforcement. Most bear conflicts occur when bears gain access to garbage, pet food, fruit trees, bird feeders, and other attractants. By taking simple preventative steps, residents can help keep both people and bears safe.
Key Requirements
✅ Garbage containers may not be placed at the curb before 4:00 a.m. on collection day.
✅ Outdoor garbage and food attractants must be secured in a garage, shed, or bear resistant container, or other secured area.
✅ Pet food and animal feed should not be left outdoors overnight.
✅ Commercial dumpsters must remain closed and secured.
Education First
For the first 14 days, the City will focus on education, outreach, and written warnings whenever practical. Enforcement will generally be reserved for repeat violations, documented bear conflicts, or immediate safety concerns.
Recommended Bear-Aware Practices
• Remove ripe and fallen fruit.
• Remove bird feeders.
• Secure coolers, grills, and other scented items.
• Consider bear-resistant containers and electric fencing where appropriate.
Flathead County also provides a free public solid waste container site in Columbia Falls as another option for household garbage disposal.
Keep attractants away. Save a bear. Working together, we can reduce conflicts, protect public safety, and help keep bears wild.
