KALISPELL – From September 8 - 11, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting fruit donations from landowners gleaning or removing fruit from their properties. The fruit drive is an opportunity for the public to help reduce bear attractants while also supporting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.
Community members are invited to drop off fruit from their properties at the FWP office at 490 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell. Donations will be accepted Tuesday through Friday, September 8-11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the fall, bears enter hyperphagia, a period where they seek out extra calories in preparation for winter. During this time, fruit trees are a popular food attractant that can lead bears into residential areas. This collection effort helps to reduce the availability of fruit and prevent bear conflicts. The drive also supports the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, which houses bears that can no longer live in the wild after learning to find food in recreational or residential areas and becoming dangerously comfortable around people.
"Fruit trees are one of the biggest attractants for bears during the fall," said FWP bear conflict specialist Justine Vallieres. "This fruit drive gives landowners an opportunity to prevent conflicts around their home while also supporting the Discovery Center."
Reporting Bear Activity
If a bear is getting into garbage or other food sources on your property, please report the activity to FWP as soon as possible. Quick reports of conflicts allow bear specialists to respond quickly, help secure attractants, and provide guidance.
In northwest Montana, contact:
- North portion of Flathead County and Eureka area – Justine Vallieres, 406-250-1265
- South portion of Flathead County and the Swan – Erik Wenum, 406-250-0062
- Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem and Sanders County – Garrett Tovey, 406-291-1320