Missoula, MT — After the presumed drowning of a woman and her dog in the Clark Fork River, community members and city officials are intensifying their calls for heightened safety measures at Jacob’s Island Dog Park. The tragic incident, which occurred over the weekend, has reignited concerns about the dangers of high water and frozen riverbanks, leading some to propose the closure of the park during the winter months to protect public safety.
The missing woman, identified as Danit Ehrlick, and her dog, Bamba, were last seen at the dog park, located along the Clark Fork River. The Missoula Police Department, after conducting a search and investigation, has presumed that both Ehrlick and her dog drowned in the river. While the exact details of the incident remain unclear, local officials and residents are deeply shaken by the loss.
On Monday night, members of the Missoula City Council expressed their condolences to Ehrlick’s family. Mayor Andrea Davis also shared her sadness, highlighting the emotional toll the incident has taken on the community.
“I’m a dog owner too, and I can only imagine what that might feel like when you see your loved one potentially go in the water and wanting to rescue that animal,” Davis said. “This is something that’s very sad and we take it seriously.”
In the wake of the tragedy, some city officials are calling for more proactive steps to prevent future accidents. Council member Bob Campbell suggested the possibility of temporarily closing Jacob’s Island Dog Park during certain winter conditions, similar to the city’s practice of closing Mount Jumbo during avalanche season.
“Maybe we should look at some sort of closure there during certain events for that dog park, being that we have other alternatives available,” Campbell said. “It’s something we should have a conversation on down the line.”
Currently, the city’s parks department has installed signage at Jacob’s Island to warn visitors about the dangers of the river, particularly during the colder months when the water can be deceptively dangerous. However, Mayor Davis emphasized that it is difficult to place signs everywhere, and urged residents to consider using other dog parks in the area that are further away from the river’s hazards.
“These are dangerous conditions, and we can’t sign everywhere,” Davis said. “We have dog parks in our community away from the river.”
Council members also echoed Davis’s concerns, acknowledging the risk posed by the Clark Fork River, which remains deceptively peaceful on the surface despite the strong currents below.
“Dogs are family too. It’s a tough situation for sure,” said Council member Stacie Anderson. “There are other dog parks that can be utilized during the time when the river looks peaceful and lovely on top, but it’s still a river with a current below.”
While the search for Ehrlick’s dog continues, officials are warning that the river’s dangers should not be underestimated, and residents are urged to use caution when near the water. The incident has prompted a broader conversation about how to protect public safety, particularly in areas where natural hazards are present.
As the community mourns the loss of Ehrlick and Bamba, the city is facing increased pressure to address the potential risks associated with Jacob’s Island Dog Park and other areas along the river, with hopes that preventative measures will help avoid future tragedies.
