Kodiak Bear Resistant Garbage Can Available
Unsecured garbage is the #1 reason for human-bear conflict on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The CSKT Wildlife Management Program appreciates the good stewardship of Reservation residents that practice methods to prevent these avoidable human-wildlife conflicts. To facilitate Bear Smart practices in our communities, we are continuing with our Bear-Resistant Garbage Can Loaner Program to residents of the FIR who self-haul garbage to a local transfer station.
One is eligible for the Kodiak Bear Resistant Garbage Can Loaner Program if you live in bear habitat within the Flathead Indian Reservation and self-haul your garbage to the Lake County Transfer Station or other local designated Container Sites. The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes’ Wildlife Management Program has a limited number of 65-gallon bear-resistant Kodiak garbage cans available at this time for distribution. There is a one-time donation fee of $20.00; which can be paid via cash or check. The money collected will go back into the Loaner Program to purchase future cans.
Due to high cost and demand, there is a limit of ONE loaned Kodiak can per household.
To sign up and receive a Kodiak can, please visit the CSKT NRD-Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation & Conservation Permit office at 406 6th Ave. E. Polson. Monday-Thursday 7:00AM-5:30PM. Please bring a Driver’s License or Tribal ID for verification of Residential Address.
Residents must self-haul garbage to a depository station on a regular basis to ensure that the can does not overfill, and the lid must remain closed and latched properly at all times. Should any damage alter the function of the can, the Wildlife Management Program must be contacted immediately for maintenance/repairs. Should the Kodiak can need to be replaced; the $20 fee will be reapplied.
This program is in partnership with the Blackfoot Challenge, Natural Resources Defense Council, and other agencies and stakeholder groups within western Montana. Again, these resources are limited, for questions about Kodiak bear-resistant garbage cans and availability, contact at The Natural Resources Department Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation, and Conservation Permit office at 883-2888, ext. 7200.
~~~For resident who have Republic Services, please contact their representative, as bear-resistant options are available!! Call Republic Services for more information at (406) 676-4330 or (406) 543-3157. Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm.~~~
Elizabeth