By Charity Berry Forest Service

Bozeman, MT, February 27, 2024 – Effective March 1, 2024, food storage regulations will be reinstated annually from March 1- December 1, 2024, across five ranger districts within the  Custer Gallatin National Forest: Bozeman, Hebgen Lake, Gardiner, Yellowstone, and Beartooth. These measures aim to reducing potential adverse human wildlife interactions including bear and other wildlife species. The food storage order requires that all attractants, which include food and beverages, refuse, animal carcasses, and items that have food smells or other odors (toiletries, cosmetics, pet food, coolers, bird feeders, etc.), be attended or stored using an approved method.

The Food Storage Order requires that all unattended food, garbage and attractants be stored through one of the approved methods:

• In hard-sided vehicles or enclosed trailers;
• In bear-resistant containers or other approved products. A list of approved bear-resistant storage products can be found at www.igbconline.org; or
• Suspended at least 10 feet above the ground, and 4 feet away from adjacent trees/poles, out of the reach of wildlife;

Individuals who do not comply with the food storage order can be issued a violation and held civilly liable for any damages that occur from non-compliance.  It is always good practice to maintain a clean camp and keep food properly stored in containers out of the reach of wildlife and secured for both the safety of bears, other wildlife and for human safety.

For further information on bear safety and food storage protocols, please visit Custer Gallatin National Forest - Outdoor Safety & Ethics (usda.gov). Additional information on IGBC approved products including containers and electric fencing please visit www.igbconline.org.