Editor’s note: This is a developing story. Information will continue to be released as it is made available.
JACKSON, Wyo. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed today that Grizzly 1057, an offspring of Grizzly 399 was euthanized on July 12.
According to the Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department requested authorization for the removal of the grizzly following 13 documented conflicts since May 2022.
“This increasingly dangerous behavior included an interaction where a resident attempted to haze the bear from their front porch with warning shots, the bear remained on the porch and showed no reaction,” Joe Szuszwalak, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain-Prairie Region wrote in an email to Buckrail.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized this action out of concern for human safety as this bear became more emboldened in their behavior while seeking food rewards and habituation to the presence of humans,” Szuszwalak said.
The famous family separated in early May after sticking together for two years. The sub-adult cubs then ventured to find their own habitats. Two of the cubs ventured to into the Green River Valley where one, reportedly got a food reward at the end of May.
According to the Service, young bears have a higher potential to become emboldened in seeking out foods in and around human development, especially if they have learned to acquire food there in the past. When this food-conditioned behavior occurs, management options for bear and human safety become limited.
