At least one bear is roaming the streets of Whitefish at any given moment, according to bear expert Erik Wenum.

Sometimes they’re just passing through. More often, however, they’re in search of easy treats such as fallen fruit, birdseed or a tipped-over garbage can.

Wenum, with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said the bear problem in Whitefish is serious and getting worse. He already has taken 55 calls this year about bears in Whitefish.

“We’re in a bad trend and I think it’s going to get worse,” Wenum told the Whitefish City Council on May 20.

“Your problem is significant,” he said. “The good thing is that it’s easily solved.”

Wenum said trash management is the biggest issue.

It’s not uncommon for a bear to walk down Dakota Avenue and knock over every trash can on the street, Wenum said.

A current city ordinance prohibits residents north of Denver Street and Bay Point Drive from putting their trash out before 4 a.m. on garbage pickup day.

Wenum said that ordinance should be citywide and better enforced. He said there is no excuse for residents who don’t abide by the ordinance.

“Some people say they don’t have time in the morning to roll out their garbage can,” Wenum said. “But those same people spend 20 minutes picking up garbage spread around the neighborhood.”

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial agreed that the city needs to hold residents more accountable.

“It’s not the bears’  fault,” Dial said. “We need to hold people more responsible for their actions.”

The council agreed to look into the issue.

Bear-resistant trash containers are available by calling the city at 863-2456.