They need more space.

Help improve habitat for large carnivores!

In order for ecosystems to be healthy, large carnivores—wolves, grizzlies, black bears, and mountain lions—must move around and connect between populations.

But most of the landscape, even in the West, is developing rapidly. And as carnivores travel, they encounter “attractants”—unnatural food sources that draw them in such as garbage, livestock, crops, pet foods, and more. When carnivores attempt to access human food sources, they come around people, and sometimes damage property; if they get a “food reward,” become habituated, or otherwise present a risk to people or property, carnivores are usually killed.

At People and Carnivores, we’re making it possible for these species to roam without getting into trouble. We work with local communities to put conflict prevention tools and practices on the ground—things like bear-proof garbage cans, trained dogs who keep carnivores away from livestock, and fencing—to secure attractants and keep carnivores moving throughout their habitat.

Learn more about how we work to protect, connect, and restore large carnivore populations in the Northern Rockies—and how you can help, too—below.

Our Work

  • Keeping Carnivores Alive

    When wolves, bears, and lions stay away from homes, livestock and pets, crops, and garbage, they can roam free. But when large carnivores harm people or their property, they are usually killed. To protect both people and carnivores, people need to either remove the unnatural food sources (pet food, chickens, beehives, sheep, fruit trees, crops, garbage, and others), or deter carnivores from these attractants with certain tools and practices. To help carnivores survive, expand their range, and connect with others, we work to keep them out of conflicts with people.

  • Getting Tools on the Ground

    Our team of field specialists work on the ground to apply tools that either remove attractants from the landscape or keep carnivores away from them. We use a wide array of tools and practices to prevent conflicts, like livestock guardian dogs, electric fences, and scare devices. We’re experts when it comes to applying these tools and practices; we even develop and test ways to improve existing tools or use new tools. Not only that, but we focus on getting tools and practices in place in areas that will have the biggest impact on carnivores in the Northern Rockies, allowing them to move between core habitats without coming into conflict.

  • Working with People

    Our field specialists live in the communities in which they work, meaning we are able to build meaningful relationships and understanding with people who experience conflicts with carnivores. That means we can work with them to find and apply solutions that keep them and their property safe, which keeps carnivores safe, too.

Help give large carnivores room to roam with a donation!

Saving a place especially for the big, iconic species to roam is doable. Conflict-prevention tools make it possible. But these tools cost money, and your donation makes a difference.

Use the secure payment form below to make a one-time or monthly gift.

If you would prefer to mail a donation, please send a check to: People and Carnivores, PO Box 6733, Bozeman, MT 59771.

Questions? Please contact info@peopleandcarnivores.org or (406) 587-3389.