With a number of recent bear sightings being reported in the Jackson area, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding everyone to make sure all potential bear attractants are secure and unavailable to bears.
Wyoming Game and Fish Large Carnivore Biologist, Mike Boyce pointed out, “The bear activity in developed areas has really picked up in recent weeks.
Both black and grizzly bears have acquired food rewards, primarily improperly stored garbage, throughout the valley.” Last week, a bear was in the Pine Drive neighborhood and reportedly was rewarded with food from a garbage can at a rental property.
Residents are reminded to not put their garbage out the night before pickup and to store garbage and bird feeders properly as per Teton County regulations.
The Teton County Land Development Regulation applies specifically to the identified Bear Conflict Priority Areas within the county, but Boyce says all residents are encouraged to follow these regulations.
Meanwhile, for residents within the bear conflict priority areas, garbage is required to be stored in certified bear resistant containers or in a secure building or enclosure at all times. All bird feeders are to be hung with a catch pan, at least 10 feet from the ground, deck railing or patio and 4 feet away from any tree, post, or support structure.
