Jackson Hole Radio

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Be Bear Aware: Wyoming Game and Fish Urges Residents to Secure Attractants

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Grizzly Bear Attack

Fall Season Increases Bear Activity, Prompting Safety Measures in Teton County

With bear activity increasing as fall begins, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is urging Teton County residents and visitors to secure attractants to prevent human-bear conflicts. Bears associating homes with easy food sources can become dangerous, risking safety and leading to relocations or removals, as seen in a recent grizzly bear relocation in Fremont County. Key recommendations include storing food, garbage, livestock feed, and pet food in bear-proof containers or secure buildings to deter bears from residential areas.Practical Prevention TipsTo minimize conflicts:

  • Secure Attractants: Store all potential bear attractants—food, garbage, pet food, livestock feed—in bear-resistant containers or hard-sided buildings with securely latched doors.
  • Protect Pets, Livestock, and Gardens: Keep pets and livestock in secure buildings at night. Avoid feeding pets outdoors. Install electric fences around beehives, vegetable gardens, compost piles, or fruit trees. WGFD’s Jackson Regional Office offers electric fencing materials and setup assistance; contact them at 307-733-2321.
  • Report Conflicts Promptly: Immediately report bear encounters or conflicts to WGFD’s Jackson office or the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-943-3857 to ensure quick response and safety.

These measures align with ongoing efforts like WGFD’s bear spray giveaways, which promote safe recreation in bear country.Community and Environmental ImpactPreventing bear conflicts protects both human safety and wildlife, especially in Teton County, where tourism and outdoor recreation thrive, as seen with Yellowstone’s 975,109 July visitors. Securing attractants reduces the need for relocations, supporting conservation goals like those highlighted in Teton Science Schools’ Murie Awards. Community cooperation is vital, mirroring initiatives like Old Bill’s Fun Run.Stay InformedVisit the Bear Wise Wyoming page at wgfd.wyo.gov for detailed safety tips and resources. Contact the Jackson Regional Office at 307-733-2321 or the hotline at 1-877-943-3857 to report issues or request fencing help. Stay engaged with Teton County’s safety efforts, such as wildfire preparedness, to ensure a safe coexistence with wildlife.

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