JACKSON, Wyo. — Bear activity is increasing in the Town of Jackson (TOJ) as fall approaches. Several conflicts have been reported across Teton County and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Hot spots for bear activity recently are Teton Village, Wilson and East Jackson, but residents “should expect to see a bear anywhere at any time,” according to a Friday press release. Recently, upwards of 15 calls have been made regarding bear sightings in town.
During the fall season, bears eat significantly more in order to build up fat reserves for the winter. This year, due to a poor berry crop and other natural food sources being in short supply, bears are seeking calories from other sources, such as unsecured garbage, bird feeders and abandoned backpacks.
The most common bear attractant is human trash that is not properly secured. Once a bear becomes conditioned to human food sources, it can significantly increase the risk for future, more dangerous, conflicts.
On Aug. 1, the Town put into effect an expanded Bear Conflict Zone. Within a Bear Conflict Zone, Town ordinance requires all businesses and residences to use certified bear-resistant garbage cans, dumpsters or enclosures.
TOJ provided the following recommendations to help reduce bear conflicts and keep residents and wildlife safe:
For residents and businesses:
- Make sure that bear-resistant cans and dumpsters are functioning properly and are always fully closed and locked. Teach visiting guests how to use bear-resistant trash containers.
- If possible, keep trash containers indoors until the morning of trash pickup.
- Harvest fruit-bearing trees, and secure attractants such as grease, compost, chicken coops, beehives, livestock feed, and pet food and dishes.
- Birdfeeders should be hung in a way that makes it inaccessible to bears — see examples on the Bear Wise Jackson Hole website — and take it down between March and December when birds have abundant natural food sources. Consider using birdhouses, birdbaths, and native vegetation as alternatives to attract birds.
For those visiting public lands, such as a national park or national forest:
- Keep backpacks nearby and never leave food unattended unless it is properly secured.
- Keep a clean camp and store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet dishes, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
- Properly store garbage until it can be deposited into a bear-resistant dumpster.
- Do not eat or cook in tents and never keep food or other scented items in tents.
- Always stay at least 100 yards away from bears. Use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens to maintain an appropriate viewing distance. Park in designated areas and never block travel lanes. Follow staff directions in places where bears are sighted.
For those exploring the backcountry:
- Be alert and aware of all surroundings. Do not wear earbuds.
- Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
- Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled by wind or water.
- Travel in groups of three or more people.
- Upon encountering a bear, back away slowly. Do not run.
