A mountain lion walking in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains is a beautiful image, except for a rancher whose livestock is at risk.
People and Carnivores strives to protect wolf, mountain lion, grizzly, and black bear populations in the northern Rocky Mountains by working with the region’s people to prevent human-carnivore conflicts. This group helps people and wildlife to coexist by proactively utilizing tools like fencing, bear poles, and bear proof trash cans to keep people and their livestock and predatory wildlife separated and safe. Since 2000, the Zoo has provided over $178,722 in funds.
In 2022, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium helped fund the Spanish Language Bear Safety and Education Project, which will develop bear safety education resources and conduct outreach to Spanish-speaking people, focusing on workers in fruit tree orchards in Montana’s Flathead Valley.
Creating Spanish-based education and training that is relevant to these working communities will reduce conflicts between ranchers and carnivores.
