Fremont County Needs a Bear-Resistant Container Ordinance

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Fremont County Needs a Bear-Resistant Container Ordinance

By Jean Bjerke, Island Park

UPDATE: Two Grizzlies Killed In Fremont County by IDFG. Click Here to Read a Local’s Response and IDFG’s Official Statement.

In a meeting on August 7, 2023, Commissioners Discussed Implementation of Bear-Resistant Container Ordinance and Took it Under 60-Day Advisement. As of March 2025, no action has been taken.

CLICK HERE to view the draft text

Grizzly bears are magnificent icons of wilderness. We must protect them, as well as protect the safety of our citizens and visitors, most of whom treasure our wildlife and love to see bears in the wild. We need an ordinance to require homeowners and businesses to store their trash in bear-resistant containers or structures.

In 2022 and 2023, the sheriff, the mayor of Island Park, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials attended Fremont County Commission meetings in support of an ordinance, but the commissioners have decided to postpone action for further consideration.

Every year there are more bear incidents in Island Park, and some have led to bear attacks, which can be unpredictable and very dangerous.

In 2022, Idaho Fish and Game had to kill five grizzly bears in Island Park and euthanize a black bear at a local campground a few weeks later – all due to bears becoming food-conditioned to human trash and a danger to humans. Island Park’s issues with killing bears made the national news – not what we want to be known for. In September 2023, two more grizzlies were killed just east of Ashton after becoming food-conditioned and a danger to people.

Any food reward teaches bears to approach people. We must eliminate attractants like food and trash. And the best way to do that is through an ordinance requiring that all trash be stored in certified bear-resistant containers. This ordinance will not only save the lives of the people who live and recreate in Fremont County but also will prevent the tragic killing of our precious wildlife.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN IGBC CERTIFIED BEAR RESISTANT TRASH CONTAINER? LOOK NO FURTHER!

Bear Guardian will provide a local 10% discount on IGCB Certified Bear Resistant (meaning grizzly tested) trash containers when you mention HFWA! They will also deliver to the Island Park Area and into West Yellowstone for free! Trash containers can be powder coated to a color of your choosing and can be ready for delivery in just 2-3 weeks (for small orders)! Inquire about group discounts for neighborhoods or HOAs! Contact Joe Hayes at 208.356.3263 or joe@ppccfab.com

Westmart in West Yellowstone will provide an 8% discount on IGBC Certified Bear Resistant 64 and 96 gal Toter containers when you mention HFWA! These containers are grizzly tested!

Please Note: Toter is experiencing a backlog of orders, but Westmart will take orders at any time. Orders may take 2-3 months for delivery.