Black Bear Comes To Jackson

Some visitors to Jackson just aren’t welcome – as was the case last week when a black bear made a return trip to town after having been relocated from another visit about a year ago.  Wyoming Game and Fish Spokesman Mark Gocke says the young black bear wasspotted in a tree on the grounds of St. John’s Episcopal Church after it had been making the rounds to the dumpsters of area businesses.  Gocke says the bear was darted there, and because of its previous history of getting into trouble and its increasing boldness around humans, the bear was euthanized.  Gocke said that last time it came to town, it was captured and relocated to the Grassy Lake Road area to pursue a more natural life, but it returned last week by way of East Gros Ventre Butte showing no fear of humans.  Gocke says he doesn’t think the bears are expanding their ranges into the area of town, but occasionally, one will show up here.  He says the bear was probably looking for more food sources before hibernating.  He says especially the females with cubs are already heading for hibernation, but a lot of the males remain out a little longer in search of food and this one apparently was also trying to put on a little more fat before heading into its den. Gocke reminds homeowners – especially those outside of town where bears are more frequent – to be sure they properly store garbage, hang bird feeders or feed their pets so that bear attractants are not available to marauding bears trying to fatten up for the winter.