Pre-Workshop Trainings
Sunday, October 5th
An Introduction to W.H.A.R.T
What is WHART? Wildlife Human Attack Response Training, is an organized incident command structured approach to investigating and resolving contact made incidents involving humans and wildlife – particularly bears, lions and wolves. This introductory training will offer hands-on scenario based learning. This will Include team structure and roles, from victim/family liaison, evidence collection, scene and overwatch security, and wildlife specialist. How to approach, investigate and resolve attacks in a fashion that ensures officer, public, and victim safety. Additionally, this training is designed to keep investigators from developing tunnel vision, step back and look at the scene, access what you see versus chasing suggestions, rumors or preconceived ideas. Transportation to and from the workshop hotel and lunch is provided. Training will run from 9:30AM – 4:30PM.
Introduction to Residential Conflict Response Training
Join us for an educational field trip around Columbia Falls, Montana, focused on Residential Human-Bear Conflicts – some of the most challenging situations in wildlife management. Led by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Bear Conflict Specialist Justine Vallieres, this session will introduce participants to real-world conflict response strategies. Explore key topics such as attractant mitigation, conflict assessment for single bears vs. groups or family units, and practical tools like electric fencing, trap site selection, culverts vs. snares, and other deterrents. Participants will also learn about trap set-ups and the decision-making process behind various conflict resolution techniques. This field-based experience is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife management, bear behavior, or human-wildlife coexistence strategies. Transportation to and from the workshop hotel and lunch is provided. Training will run from 9:30AM – 4:30PM.
Post-Workshop Field Trips and Discussion
Friday, October 10th
Exploring the Mission Valley and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe
Join us for a day-long field trip through the Mission Valley to explore grizzly bear conservation efforts and human-wildlife coexistence strategies. We’ll begin at the Post Creek underpass on Hwy 93 to discuss wildlife crossings and habitat connectivity. Visit Wildlife Manager Kari Kingley and Bear Specialist Payton Adams to learn about highway reconstruction, interagency collaboration, and community-based initiatives. Discussion will include bear range expansion, conflict issues, and the complexities of social tolerance toward bears on tribal lands. We’ll enjoy lunch at the Bison Range Day Use Area, followed by a tour of the Bison Range Visitor Center. The day will wrap up with a stop at the Moise River Honoring Site, where we’ll explore bear conflicts in cornfields and local efforts to reduce attractants. This trip offers a firsthand look at the intersection of conservation, culture, and community in a landscape shared with grizzly bears. Transportation to an from the conference hotel, as well as lunch will be provided. 8:30AM-5:00PM.
A Day in the Swan Valley
Join retired Grizzly Bear Conflict Specialist Tim Manley and Swan Valley Connections on an unforgettable field trip into Montana’s Swan Valley, located within the Northern Continental Divide Recovery Zone. Explore a unique landscape where a checkerboard of public and private lands weaves through a rugged, rural forest community. Learn firsthand about coexisting with wildlife, including innovative approaches like electric fencing and bear-resistant trash can loaner program and dumpsters that help reduce human-bear conflict in this vital recovery area. Transportation to and from the conference hotel, as well as lunch will be provided. 8:30AM-4:30PM.
Round Table Industry Discussion
Join a dynamic round table discussion bringing together voices from forestry, oil and gas, mining, transportation, recreation, and waste management. This session will explore shared challenges and opportunities in grizzly bear country-ranging from land use practices and infrastructure impacts to recreation pressures and managing expired bear spray. Industry leaders and wildlife experts will discuss practical solutions for reducing conflicts, promoting safety, and supporting coexistence across Montana’s working landscapes. This discussion will take place at the Flathead National Forest Supervisor Office from 9:00AM-3:00PM. Shuttle transportation and lunch will be provided.
Round Table Bear Smart Community Discussion
Join us at Whitefish City Hall for a community round table focused on creating a Bear Smart community. This discussion will bring together non-profit groups, local leaders, waste haulers, and wildlife experts to explore strategies for reducing human-bear conflicts through improved waste management, local regulations, and community engagement. Discuss how we can lead the way in coexisting with bears while keeping both people and wildlife safe. Shuttle transportation and lunch will be provided. 9:00AM-3:00PM.