U.S. Forest Service Press Release
JACKSON, Wyo. — The Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has signed a new Forest Order relating to food and attractant storage, which will be implemented immediately.
Food Storage Orders are an effective mechanism for protecting public safety and minimizing human-bear conflicts. According to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the last food storage order was signed in 2016, so this update allows the BTNF to align with similar orders for all national forests in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
“We’re proud of this coordinated effort between all the forests in the Great Yellowstone Ecosystem to streamline and emphasize the food storage order for our visitors” said Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson in the USFS press release. “While there were minimal changes from previous versions this new order will allow our visitors a seamless experience as they travel through the ecosystem enjoying their public lands.”
Some of the key changes for the new order include:
- Requirements for storage or attendance of attractants are the same during daytime and nighttime hours.
- Electric fences are an acceptable storage method if included on the most current Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Certified Bear-Resistant Products list, are installed properly and meet the design and minimum electrical output specifications on that list. These fences must be tested with a voltmeter for proper operation at least every 24 hours.
- Horse or livestock trailers used for storing attractants may not have any openings greater than 10 inches in two dimensions and must have any food, refuse or animal carcasses stored more than three feet from any opening.
- Some areas of the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger districts are extending the order until Jan. 15.
The new Forest Order can be found here.
The unintentional attraction and feeding of wildlife, included by access to garbage or other attractants, is not allowed in Teton County. Additionally, feeding wildlife is illegal in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
