Bear-proof storage lockers installed at Priest Lake State Park campgrounds

PRIEST LAKE - Selkirk Conservation Alliance worked with Priest Lake State Parks on the installation of bear-proof food storage lockers in park campgrounds.

Food storage lockers were installed in Indian Creek and Lionhead campgrounds.

Bear proof food storage lockers are intended to provide campers a place to store food safely so that bears can't obtain human foods easily.

In 2010, Priest Lake State Parks implemented a "Food Storage Order" after bears were getting into the campers' food within the campgrounds.

The food storage order required campers to safely store all food items in a hard sided vehicle or other means so bears cannot gain access to human foods and become nuisance bears.

Tim Layser, wildlife biologist with the Selkirk Conservation Alliance said, "food storage lockers help protect both bears and people and we are glad to help the State Parks create a safe environment for park campers."

Funding to purchase the food storage lockers was provided by Selkirk Conservation Alliance, with support from Inland Northwest Community Foundation, Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, Defenders of Wildlife, Kalispell Tribe and the Grizzly Bear Outreach Project.

The food storage lockers were installed by Boy Scout Troop 113 Inland Northwest Council Thunderbird District out of Spokane.