New York Times 50:50 Project - Montana
Highlighting environmental solutions in all 50 states
Footage kindly shared with permission by landowner Mike Leys
As grizzly bears move onto the prairie in Montana, wildlife managers are refashioning an ancient technology to deter grizzlies from farmsteads: livestock guardian dogs.
“During the study by Dr. Young and Mr. Sarmento, the four farms that received dogs saw an almost 90 percent drop in GPS detections of collared bears within roughly 1,000 feet of the farmstead. And there was a 58-fold reduction in camera-trap detections of bears compared with neighboring farms that did not get dogs. It was a tiny study, so more research is needed. But the farmers say they’re convinced,” writes Catrin Einhorn for the New York Times.
The Ahrens’ Farm
Steven Ahrens with his 180-pound livestock guardian dog named Billy on their farm outside of Shelby, Montana, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The Ahrens are small grain farmers that produce wheat, barley, and pulse crops. Grizzly bears were visiting the Ahrens’ property because they were attracted to grain as a food source. Billy’s presence led to a decrease in grizzly bear activity.
