Alternatives Considered 



I. No additwna] authority should be sought, cither through MOLh mui statutes, to expand state enforcenient 

 autliority in dealinif with preveutiiK- measures relatiii;^ to human-bear conflicts. 



While this was considered, FWP enforcement personnel are in the most effective posiHon to address 

 these problems due to ongoing efforts to enforce all laws and regulations protecdng wildlife. These 

 personnel are stationed in communities across Montana. 



F. EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH 



As grizzly bears expand their distribution, a key determinant of their long term status will be human 

 attitudes towards them. FWPs goal is to minimize human-grizzly bear conflicts while building support 

 for bears and bear management. Preferred approaches to meeting this goal include: 



> FWP will continue to provide outreach programs to local schools, colleges and community 

 organizations. 



> FWP will develop ways to target education efforts towards both new and long-term Montana 

 residents regarding human-bear issues. 



> As time permits, FWP will work with local planning entities to address the needs of grizzly bears in 

 select new developments and new residential areas. 



> FWP will continue to work with private organizations and interest groups, as well as the media, to 

 include safety tips on recreating in bear habitat. 



> FWP will include lessons on human safety and conflict prevention while hunting in bear habitat in 

 each hunter education class. 



> FWP will continue to expand its efforts to assist hunters with identification of black versus grizzly 

 bears. In 2002, FWP began mandatory training for people interested in hunting black bears. 

 Organized training opportunities may be developed. 



> FWP will evaluate if the current one time mandatory bear identification test should be taken 

 annually. 



> FWP will recommend that the Board of Outfitters require all outfitters and guides operating in bear 

 habitat to be certified in human-bear safety and conflict prevention. 



> Education and public outreach will be integrated with enforcement on issues such as sanitation to 

 effectively minimize human activities that may lead to human-bear safety issues. 



Underlying attitudes toward grizzly bears are highly variable and relate to issues as diverse as human 

 safety concerns, perceptions of risk, economic impacts on livestock producers, and existence values. 

 Given the varied array of attitudes, management strategies are unlikely to succeed without practical 

 public informahon and education programs that are designed with specific stakeholders in mind. 

 Therefore, a partnership information and educadon approach involving FWP, as well as other agencies, 

 tribal authorities, local communities and private interests will likely be more successful at minimizing 

 human/bear tragedies as well as developing a stronger sense of agreement among Montana residents 

 about the state's goals and management programs related to bears. 



FWP recognizes that the key to any educational program is cooperation and commitment by all involved 

 to provide appropriate information. The development, implementation and widespread dissemination of 

 accurate, fact-based information and educational materials concerning grizzly bears are essential for 

 managing bears within the region. Moreover, those who live, work and recreate in western Montana 

 need clear and useful information about bears in order to foster understanding of bear behaviors and to 



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