JACKSON, Wyo. — Wyoming Game and Fish (WGFD) officials have asked residents to do their part to avoid wildlife conflicts in residential areas this fall, particularly moose and bears.
“We typically get a number of moose calls this time of year because it’s the breeding season, the bulls are starting to travel a lot in pursuit of cows and they tend to start rubbing their antlers on whatever they can find,” said Aly Courtemanch, Jackson Wildlife Biologist for WGFD. “Consequently, we get reports of bull moose with a variety of things wrapped around their antlers, including fencing, hammocks, rope swings, Christmas lights, lawn furniture and so on.”
Wildlife officials have asked residents to be aware of this possibility and to remove anything on their property that animals may become entangled in.
Game and Fish officials have also asked residents to avoid conflicts with bears and keep all bear attractants unavailable. “While it hasn’t been a particularly bad year so far with regard to bear conflicts, this is typically the time of year we start receiving an increasing number of reports of black bears being seen in developed areas around Jackson,” said Jackson Large Carnivore Biologist Mike Boyce.“It has been a relatively good year for natural foods but as berries and vegetation begin to dry up, bears commonly start showing up in developed areas this time of year. While bears may just be passing through, it’s important they do not get any food rewards, such as improperly stored garbage, that would encourage them to stay.”
The Teton County Land Development Regulation was passed in 2009 and requires residents to follow regulations to help avoid bear conflict. Garbage is required to be stored in certified bear-resistant containers or in a secure building or enclosure at all times. All bird feeders are to be hung with a catch pan at least 10 feet from the ground, deck railing or patio and four feet away from any tree, post or support structure.
WGFD bear managers will follow-up on bear sightings and visit with property owners to ensure bear attractants are properly stored to prevent conflicts. By allowing bears to get a food reward it conditions them to associate people with food, which can lead to dangerous or destructive behaviors.
To report a potential wildlife conflict people may call the Jackson office of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 800-423-4113 (in-state only) or 307-733-2321.
