Promoting Bear Awareness in Eastern Idaho

Bears that learn to associate people with food often become aggressive and dangerous. Keeping bears out of our garbage is one of the best ways of keeping bears out of the places where we work, play and live. Local business owners and community leaders are invited to learn more:

• What: Garbage can and dumpster testing by the best bears out there.
• Where: The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, 201 South Canyon, West Yellowstone, Mont.
• When: Noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2007, Come early and check out the museum.
Who: Local business owners, community leaders, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Cost: Free to all business owners and community leaders, just check in at the door. All others are welcome to attend. Adults (13 and over) $9.75; children (5 to 12) $5; children under 5 free; seniors (62 and older) $9.

Watch the grizzlies demonstrate the differences between a regular dumpster, like those used at most area businesses, and a "bear-resistant" dumpster. Officials from the Center and various agencies will be on hand to answer any questions. Take time out of your schedules to join what should be a fun and exciting day. Product testing is entertaining and educational - and the bears like it, too. For more information contact: Lynn Dickerson, Bear Education Technician, IDFG/USFS, 208-558-7301.