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I Am Bear Safe
Training people not to train bears...to get into trouble!
“I Am Bear Safe”™ (IABS) is a multi-partner Wildlife Coexistence Strategy designed to equip National Park and National Forest gateway town businesses ("Park Gateway Partners") and the tourism entities and chambers of commerce that support them to “train people not to train bears” to get in the trouble they are in now because of human behavior—situations that jeopardize safety of bears and people.
Bears are a top attraction at many National Parks and well-managed within the parks to avoid human interaction. But communities at the park’s edge are under pressure from...
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Increased Visitation
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Rapid Development with new residents naïve about bears
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Recreationists' growing ability to penetrate bear habitats.
Gateways are the frontline for tackling ignorance and irresponsibility when it comes to bear safety. Park Gateway Partner (PGP) businesses are stewardship allies and are the perfect intervention point. WRF provides customized tools (signage and SWAG) that equip PGPs to effectively intercept park visitors and recreationists and equip them to be bear stewards that act responsibly by securing attractants and following park rules for recreating in bear habitat.
The IABS goal is to benefit park gateway communities while assuring that bears can perform their natural behaviors and survive without risk and distraction caused by people.
Where it began?
Launched in 2022, this Multi-partner Wildlife Coexistance Strategy focused on bear stewardship and marketing support to small businesses in small towns.
An AZA-accredited, not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility.
GWDC partners with Yellowstone National Park in a Zoo-Park Partnership for America’s Keystone Wildlife™ and originated the “I Am Bear Safe” Project with the park, Custer Gallatin National Forest, local businesses, and WRF
Expansion in Western Montana and Northern Wyoming
Bears in Jeopardy
Due to increased negative encounters of cohabitation between humans and bears in their natural spaces, the livelihood and safety of bears in their habitat, as well as the stability of the ecosystem.
People at Risk
In addition to wildlife, we also prioritize the well-being of communities living in bear country. Our initiatives aim to mitigate conflicts and promote harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Benefitting Gateway Town Business
A unique & direct bear stewardship role for small businesses
Park Gateway Partners (PGPs) receive IABS signage tools complimentary and is customizable.
Prepares businesses to think about changes to their practices that help prevent bear encounters + support town stewardship
Visitors are encouraged to patronize PGP businesses in Park Gateway Towns via:
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Banners at Bozeman + Billings Airports
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Tourism Publications
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IABS Website
CUSTOMERS will seek out the "I Am Bear Safe" Graphic as a sign of good stewardship represented in the community
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Individual businesses are listed as a choice in the IABS Bear Quiz (accessed via QR code on most signage)
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Gateway town have their own section of the IABS webpage encouraging visitors to “buy local”
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PGP logos on WRF IABS webpage can link to the business's website or social media
Regional Partner Pages
Project Level Partners
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Wildlife Restoration Foundation Zoo-Park Partnership for America's Keystone Wildlife
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Billings Logan International Airport
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Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
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Glacier National Park
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Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
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Montana’s Yellowstone Country
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Oakland Zoo
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Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone Rent-A-Car
Tools & Resources
Video Instructions on how to utilize Bear Spray!
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“I Am Bear Safe” Project graphic generated by Anderson Design Group. Learn more about this company by clicking on their logo.
The “I Am Bear Safe” Project is endorsed by the AZA Bear Taxonomic Advisory Group
