•	Education Programs
•	Outreach Programs
•	Advocacy Programs

Bear Spray Initiative:
In 2007, nine female grizzly bears were killed in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the most in 24 years of keeping record. If the numbers continue at this pace we will be approaching the female mortality limit set by wildlife officials. This ongoing trend is a major issue that will continue to grow more problematic as the whitebark pine—a key fall food source for grizzlies—continues to rapidly decline. Currently, there is no mandatory law or rule—outside of the John D. Rockefeller Parkway—that requires hunters to carry bear spray while hunting in grizzly country. An increasing number of grizzly hunter interactions could be reduced through our bear education program, which focuses on traveling safely in bear country, and by encouraging hunters to carry bear spray. By networking with other organizations and working with state wildlife agencies, we will attempt to build a commitment from hunters to carry bear spray while hunting in grizzly country. The success of this program would not only reduce grizzly bear mortality, but would foster a commitment of hunter safety for this and future generations of outdoorsmen.

Safe Crossing Project:
The Safe Crossing Project is Yellowstone Country Guardians’ attempt to create safer road conditions for both drivers and wildlife. Each year a growing number of people are injured or killed in wildlife collisions throughout the country. Here in Yellowstone Country, we have a large array of road-crossing migrants such as elk, bison, bear, and moose. As the Greater Yellowstone Area continues to grow smaller and more tattered each year due to rapid population growth and expansion, wildlife-friendly roadways and fencing are becoming critical components for human safety and for fostering vital migration corridors. By fostering and facilitating discussion between partner organizations, state and federal agencies and local communities, we will be a regional representative in the ongoing effort to develop better stewardship practices that will benefit migratory animals and vehicle travelers. We believe this project will have long lasting effects and impacts on the Yellowstone Country community as a whole. Our efforts will begin near YCG headquarters on the often treacherous Highway 89 funneling out of Yellowstone National Park’s northern entrance.