The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night passed an emergency bear ordinance that requires people to secure garbage and other attractants from bears roaming into town.

The vote was unanimously in favor.

Like 2022, when the city first passed such an ordinance, it’s been a bad berry year and bruins have been frequenting the city limits in the past few weeks as they look to fatten up before winter hibernation.

The bulk of reports have come from the city’s east side, where the neighborhoods are closer to the mountains. But bears can easily show up anywhere, as they follow the Flathead River downstream.

The emergency ordinance would require that garbage not be placed out on the curb before 4 a.m. the day of pickup. 

It also requires that “All garbage, recycling containing food residue, food waste, and other attractants stored outdoors shall be maintained in a bear-resistant container, within a secured structure, or within a secured enclosure,” such as a garage or a secured and locked shed.

It also prohibits leaving out pet feed from a secured enclosure, has provisions for securing garbage from commercial establishments and makes it illegal to purposely feed bears. 

“Garbage, recycling containing food residue, food waste, or other attractants shall not be accumulated or left exposed in pickup beds, utility trailers, open yards, open porches, unsecured containers, or vehicles not designed for refuse transport,” the law reads.

Having said that, the law is more of an educational vehicle as opposed to an enforcement one.

“For the first fourteen calendar days following adoption of this Ordinance, the City shall prioritize public education, voluntary compliance, and written warnings whenever practical. Enforcement personnel should provide educational information and a written warning for a first observed violation during this period whenever practical,” the law notes.

Though people who ignore the warnings could be cited.

“A citation may be issued during the 14-day period when the violation creates an immediate threat to public health or safety, results in a documented bear conflict, continues or recurs after a written warning, or the responsible person refuses to correct the violation after notice,” the law states.  “Nothing in this section limits the City’s authority to take immediate lawful action when necessary to protect public safety or prevent an imminent wildlife conflict.”

The law recommends:

A. Remove or empty bird feeders during periods of bear activity.

 B. Promptly harvest ripe fruit and remove fallen fruit from the ground. 

C. Clean and store grills, smokers, coolers, and food-preparation equipment in secured areas. 

D. Install and properly maintain electric fencing around attractants where appropriate. 

E. Secure chicken coops, livestock feed, compost, and other potential attractants.

F. Use bear-resistant waste containers whenever possible. 

G. Use the Flathead County solid waste container site in Columbia Falls when secure on-site storage is not available.

The city is also currently investigating long term measures, likely through zoning, that could make some sections of the law permanent, depending on where the person lived in the city.