Electric fencing can be an effective tool for keeping grizzly bears out of trouble. But what does it take to make it work on a working ranch?

In this episode, we head to Montana’s Blackfoot Valley to meet ranchers Jim and Brady Stone, who are using electric fences and innovative drive-over mats to protect livestock, secure bear attractants, and reduce conflict with grizzlies.

Along the way, we explore how rancher-led innovation, local partnerships, and cost-sharing programs are making these tools more practical and accessible, and why keeping bears out of trouble benefits both people and wildlife.

Want to learn more? Check out the Electric Fencing Producer Toolkit

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Topics discussed

Electric fencing, grizzly bear conflict reduction, drive-over electric mats, permanent electric fencing, rancher-led innovation, Blackfoot Challenge, BS Fabrication, community-led conflict reduction.

Featuring

Jim Stone and Brady Stone (father and son ranchers, Blackfoot Valley, Montana)

Credits

Working Wild University is a production of Western Landowners Alliance and Dr. Jared Beaver of Montana State University Extension, and a proud part of Natural Resources University podcast network. 

Hosted by Hallie Mahowald and Jared Beaver; Produced by Zach Altman; Editing by Kathleen Shannon and Zach Altman; Executive producers: Louis Wertz, Jared Beaver, Hallie Mahowald and Erik Kalsta.