Bigfork Chamber Launches “Bear In Mind Business” Initiative to Help Local Businesses Prevent Bear Conflicts

Bigfork, MT — The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of a new initiative: Bear In Mind Business. This community-driven program helps local businesses become active participants in reducing bear conflicts by providing tools, resources, and expert guidance to keep both people and wildlife safe.

Before the launch was officially unveiled at the Chamber’s annual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, May 6, Chamber Director Rebekah King reflected on how the program came to be:

“In Bigfork, it’s never just one person, one board member, or one chamber member—it’s collaboration. It’s the willingness to say, ‘Yes, how?’ instead of ‘No, we can’t.’ That spirit of collaboration is exactly what brought us to today’s Bear In Mind Business initiative. We’re incredibly proud to partner with three innovative organizations who came together with us to create—what we believe to be—the first-of-its-kind Bear-Resistant Business Designation. It’s an exciting opportunity for our local businesses to be part of the solution when it comes to preventing bear conflicts.”

Developed in partnership with Swan Valley Connections, People and Carnivores, and the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, Bear In Mind Business empowers local businesses to identify potential conflict areas, secure attractants like garbage and food waste, and educate both staff and customers on bear safety practices. Complementing this effort, the Wildlife Restoration Foundation will provide businesses with educational materials on bear safety for visitors and tourists.

The initiative builds on the ongoing work of each partner organization by offering practical support to businesses in Bigfork. Whether it’s helping businesses reduce bear attractants, providing educational tools, or posting clear signage for customers, Bear In Mind Business connects participating businesses with the people and knowledge they need to take action.

“Bigfork is surrounded by wild beauty, and part of living and working here means doing our part to coexist with the wildlife that also calls this place home,” said Jill Parish, Past President of the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce. “This program connects businesses directly with local experts and resources that make it easier to take action.”

The Chamber encourages interested businesses to learn more about the Bear In Mind Business program by visiting bigfork.org/living-working/bear-in-mind-business. Participation is open to any local business ready to “bear in mind” our wild neighbors that also call Bigfork home.

Speakers at the luncheon were:

Jackie Pagano, Bear Conflict Prevention Coordinator, Swan Valley Connections

jackie@svconnections.org

Jackie brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her work, having worked with large carnivores for most of the last decade. Her work focuses on reducing bear conflicts in the Swan Watershed by distributing bear-resistant trash cans, installing electric fencing to secure attractants, and hosting educational events throughout the area. Her deep passion for wildlife and community makes her an engaging advocate for bear-smart practices.

Ryan Wilbur, Conflict Prevention Specialist, People and Carnivores

rwilbur@peopleandcarnivores.org

Ryan works on the ground throughout Northwest Montana to design and implement nonlethal tools on the ground to prevent human-carnivore conflicts, like bears, wolves, and mountain lions, keeping people safe and large carnivores wild.

Rebekah Ficek, IABS Program Coordinator - Glacier County, Wildlife Restoration Foundation

rficek@wildlifeandparks.org.

Rebekah coordinates the “I Am Bear Safe” initiative, a multi-partner Wildlife Coexistence Strategy focused on reducing human-bear conflict in National Park and Forest gateway communities. She works directly with businesses—known as Park Gateway Partners—to provide education, signage, and tools that help visitors recreate responsibly, secure attractants, and promote bear stewardship.

For more information:

Call 406-837-5888

Email chamber@bigfork.org

Visit bigfork.org/living-working/bear-in-mind-business