Whitefish posts bear alert

The city of Whitefish has issued an edict: Don’t feed the bears.

People who live north of the railroad tracks in Whitefish are required under city law to secure garbage containers in areas not accessible to bears, such as garages or sheds.

Containers can’t be taken to the street before 4 a.m. the day of collection and must be returned to the secure area no later than 7 p.m. the same day.

Violators face fines up to $500.

“Many of you have heard the phrase, ‘A fed bear is a dead bear,’” Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said in an advisory posted Wednesday.

Whitefish has recurring problems with bears in the late summer and fall, particularly on the north side of the city near Big Mountain.

Bear-proof containers are available by contacting public works at 863-2456.

“Additionally, residents are encouraged to keep pet food and bird feeders out of bear reach and to keep their yards free of fruit from fruit trees and vegetables as these, too, attract our furry neighbors,” Dial said. “By no means should anyone attempt to feed bears. Bears who frequent inhabited areas are usually euthanized.”