The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been tracking grizzly bear #399 and her offspring as they have left Grand Teton National Park and are now in areas of other jurisdictions, including private lands. Residents along Teton Village Road have reported seeing the five bears moving through that area.
One area resident reported seeing them cross the Snake River Saturday and continue in the direction of Skyline Ranch. US Fish and Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator Hilary Cooley urges those who spot the bears to report it to Wyoming Game and Fish.
“We do get a fair amount of reports for the time she’s out and about. If you see her, if you see five sets of bear tracks; that’s 399, and Game and Fish is probably best to report those things. We use those to follow up on them.”
Meanwhile, residents of local communities are encouraged to secure attractants around their homes and store all garbage within bear-resistant containers. Attractants include items with a scent, such as trash, livestock feed, compost, or beehives. Fish and Wildlife Service and interagency partners are again reminding residents and visitors to the Jackson area to remain bear-aware. The public can make a difference in a bear’s life by continuing to do its part by ensuring bears never obtain food rewards, whether you call the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem home or are just passing through.
