Starting March 1, the food and attractant storage order will again be in effect on the Bozeman, Hebgen Lake, Gardiner, Yellowstone and Beartooth ranger districts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The order helps ensure safe coexistence between people and bears by reducing food-related encounters. The food and attractant storage order will be in effect through Dec. 1, 2026.
According to the order, all unattended food, trash and other attractants must be stored in one of the following approved methods
- In hard-sided vehicles or enclosed trailers
- In bear-resistant containers or other approved products. A list of approved bear-resistant storage products can be found at www.igbconline.org; or
- Suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet away from adjacent trees or poles, out of the reach of wildlife.
“Food storage requirements are a crucial step toward protecting both wildlife and humans. Bears and other animals are incredibly adaptive and drawn to human food sources, which can lead to conflicts. By following these regulations, we not only safeguard our wildlife but also ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors to the Custer Gallatin National Forest,” said Josh Hemenway, wildlife biologist. “Remember, a clean camp is a safer camp – let’s work together to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and preserve the natural beauty of our forest.
Individuals who violate the food storage order may be issued a violation and held civilly liable for any damages resulting from non-compliance. For your safety, the safety of other forest visitors, bears and other wildlife, it is always a good idea to keep your camp tidy and to store food in a manner that is not accessible to wildlife.
Please visit Custer Gallatin National Forest – Outdoor Safety & Ethics (usda.gov) for more information on bear safety and food storage protocols. Please visit www.igbconline.org for more details on Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved products.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
Photo: Pixabay
Source: CGNF
