Since 2024, MVCC has provided financial and technical assistance to over 40 community members building electric bear fences to secure homestead attractants like beehives, chicken coops and fruit trees. Given recent staffing changes coinciding with peak bear season, MVCC has elected to transfer this important service to Defenders of Wildlife, one of our trusted Methow Bear Coalition partners. Community members can still apply to be reimbursed up to $500 to help cover the cost of fencing materials.
To learn more about this program and see if you qualify, please reach out by email to Kristin Botzet.
Check out the resources below to learn more about how to design and build your own electric bear fence:
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks – Deterring Bears with Electrified Fencing: A Beginner’s Guide (.pdf)