JACKSON, Wyo. — Restaurants in Jackson Hole are hopping on the bear-resistance train.

Over the summer, seven restaurants around the valley received bear-resistant grease traps to prevent animal conflicts. Bear Wise Jackson Hole said in a news release that grease traps — where disposed grease and oil are stored — can be a major bear attractant. Bear Wise distributed the grease traps to establishments that have had bear incidents in the past or are located in areas where incidents are likely to happen in the future.

“Spent cooking grease is a powerful bear attractant and has been the source of recent bear conflicts in the area that have resulted in the death of bears,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department Biologist Mike Boyce said in a news release. “Storing cooking grease in bear resistant containers can prevent these conflicts from happening in the first place.” 

The traps were designed and installed by partners of Bear Wise Jackson Hole at locations in Wilson, on WY390 (The Village Road) and Togwotee Pass. Teton Conservation District funded the new traps, which display Bear Wise artwork and have a locking lid to prevent bears from accessing the contents.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.