JACKSON, Wyo. — As of August 1, the Town of Jackson has put into effect an ordinance that requires bear-resistant trash cans within the designated expanded Bear Conflict Zone. Areas in the expanded zone include Spruce Drive and Pine Drive, Upper Cache Creek Drive and Snow King Drive, and the streets that abut Flat Creek in West Jackson.

A map, presented at the April 20 Town Council Workshop, that shows about 10 years worth of bear conflicts in Town. The Bear Conflict Zone was expanded based on where human-bear conflicts were recorded. Image: Town of Jackson

The change comes as part of the Town Sustainability Plan to improve human-wildlife cohabitation. At an April 20 Town Council Workshop, Ecosystem Stewardship Administrator Tanya Anderson presented, stating that the vision is to “preserve and protect the area’s ecosystem,” which includes reducing or eliminating human-wildlife conflict.

According to Anderson, “We have not made recommendations to expand [the Bear Conflict Zone] in the last three years. … We’re getting high enough compliance in the areas where we already have it that we can expand it.”

In the expanded zone, trash must be stored in bear-resistant containers or enclosures. Outside of the conflict zone, those containers are encouraged but not required.

The expanded Bear Conflict Zone as of August 1, 2026, is highlighted in red. Image: Town of Jackson

Additionally, trash containers must not “Snow Cone,” according to the Town website, which means the trash is overflowing such that the container cannot close. Those interested in learning more about bear safety can explore more at the Bear Wise website.

Hannah is a Buckrail Staff Reporter and freelance web developer and designer who has called Jackson home since 2015. When she’s not outside, you can probably find her eating a good meal, playing cribbage, or at one of the local yoga studios. She’s interested in what makes this community tick, both from the individual and collective perspective.