Wyoming Game and Fish Department Relocates Grizzly Bear
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, captured and relocated a subadult male grizzly bear on last week. The bear had been frequenting developed areas on private lands in Wilson, Wyoming. To prevent potential conflicts, the bear was moved to the Camp Creek drainage, about 30 miles northwest of Cody, in cooperation with the USFWS and the Shoshone National Forest.
Grizzly bear relocations are conducted using state and federal rules. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department makes a mandatory announcement to inform the public whenever such relocations occur.
Why Relocation?
Relocation is a tool used by large carnivore biologists to minimize conflicts between humans and grizzly bears. Bears deemed a threat to human safety are not relocated and may be removed from the population if they cannot be successfully relocated. Capture is necessary when other deterrents are exhausted or unattainable. The decision to relocate takes into account the bear’s age, sex, and type of conflict, as well as potential human activity in the relocation area.
Grizzly bears are relocated only to designated recovery zones or adjacent areas. Game and Fish works with appropriate agencies to reduce future conflicts and enhance the survival chances of the relocated bear.
Public Responsibility
Game and Fish wardens remind the public of their crucial role in bear management by keeping attractants such as food, garbage, horse feed, and bird seed unavailable to bears. Reducing attractants decreases the likelihood of human-bear conflicts and the need for relocations.
For more information on grizzly bear management and tips to reduce conflicts, visit the Bear Wise Wyoming webpage.
- Pre-Session Meeting with Teton County State Legislators - December 21, 2024
- Donald Trump Appoints Peter Lamelas as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina - December 20, 2024
- Teton County Waste Facilities’ Holiday Closure Notice - December 20, 2024
