Reimbursement
Electric Fence Incentive Program (Got Bears?)
Defenders of Wildlife
What you can get
Reimbursement of 50% of electric fence cost, up to $500 (more considered case by case); paid after the fence is completed with receipts, photos and W-9 • Official page: 'Defenders of Wildlife will reimburse 50% of the cost of an electric fence (up to $500) for securing brown bear attractants, such as garbage, fruit trees and livestock, in eligible counties in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.' Qualifying attractants include livestock, livestock/pet feed, beehives, chicken coops, carcass pits and boneyards. Fence must be bear-deterrent with a 0.70 joule or greater energizer. Separate 2026 application brochures for Alaska, NE Washington/Idaho/Montana/Wyoming, and the North Cascades of Washington.
- Readiness
- Ready to apply
- Who can apply
- producer, Landowners, ranchers, beekeepers and small livestock keepers in eligible bear country counties of AK, ID, MT, WA and WY
- Coverage
- AK, ID, MT, WA, WY
- Deadline & timing
- First-come, first-served: contact Defenders to secure a place on the reimbursement list, then submit the form and documentation before the end of the calendar year in which you secured the place. Funding is limited.
- Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: producer, Landowners, ranchers, beekeepers and small-livestock keepers in eligible bear-country counties of AK, ID, MT, WA and WY.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Nov 5, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.