|
| LWWF Projects
The Living with Predators Resource Guides are a comprehensive source of information about various food and garbage storage options for people who live, work or recreate in bear, wolf and mountain lion country. They provide detailed information on bear-resistant products, product sources, techniques for bear-proofing, techniques for deterring bears, and methods of aversively conditioning bears. Information contained in the guides can be applied worldwide where conflicts between humans and animals occur. Some of the techniques and products referenced in the guides are already being implemented in Canada, Japan and parts of Europe, as well as the United States. Compilation and production of the Living with Predators Resource Guides is an ongoing project in collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Three guides have been completed, one tailored to people recreating in areas occupied by predators, one for people living in or near predator-occupied areas, and one exclusively for use by wildlife professionals. A fourth guide devoted exclusively to electric fencing methods and designs is being compiled. Click
here for more details on the Guides
The Living with Wildlife Foundation developed and implemented a new protocol to test the effectiveness of bear-resistant products. LWWF coordinates the program with its project partner, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The program is endorsed by the Interagency Grizzly bear Committee (IGBC). Approximately 20 products have now been tested under the program. Information gained through testing is leading to development of better bear-resistant products and is giving consumers more options for selecting products. As products are tested, test results will be included in future editions of the Living With Predators Resource Guides. Click here for more details on the Testing Program
LWWF is working to implement a new program to evaluate the effectiveness of bear-resistant products, including bear-resistant dumpsters, grease traps, and storage containers. In addition to evaluating bear-resistant products, we will be evaluating the effectiveness of various methods for deterring predators, including electric fence designs, auditory scare devices, pyrotechnic devices and others. Products and designs will be tested under field conditions and when possible, tests will be documented using remote video surveillance. Another component of the evaluation will involved collection of data from users of products, including product users and waste haulers. This field evaluation program is critical to ensure that products and methods that are being utilized are actually working. This will help prevent predators, especially bears, from becoming food-conditioned to unnatural food sources, and it will also increase human safety and prevent funding from being used on products that ultimately do not work.
The LWWF is working to create an on-line clearinghouse of information related to bear-resistant products, results of bear-resistant products and techniques testing, information on product endorsements provided by various Federal, State and private entities, and information pertaining to special wildlife conflict minimization requirements for various parks, national forests, wilderness areas, recreational areas, and communities/counties. The information clearinghouse will be accessible to the public worldwide. This information is not presently available in one location.
As more people are choosing to live and recreate in wild country, problems and conflicts with wildlife are increasing. Helping people to identify and eliminate sources of potential conflicts with wildlife is an important Foundation activity. Our education and outreach activities focus on the prevention of problems. We develop and distribute educational materials at community events and present information at appropriate meetings, conferences and workshops. Click here for more about LWWF Education and Outreach Activities
If you would like to contribute funding towards a specific project, please send your donation to: Living with Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 1152, Swan Valley, MT 59826. Please indicate the name of the project you would like the donation applied to.
|