WYOMING – Wyoming Game and Fish Department has investigated recent reports of a nuisance bear some believed to be a grizzly. The brownish, cinnamon-colored bear has been sighted along trails of the Popo Agie Middle Fork drainage, mostly between Stough Creek lakes and Sheep Bridge.
Grizzly bears have been documented in the southern Wind River Mountains, but Game and Fish was able to confirm the bear in question is a black bear. Black bears can vary widely in their coloration.
“The behavior of this black bear suggests it has received a food reward in the past and now, unfortunately, may be exhibiting some food conditioned behavior,” says Brian DeBolt, large carnivore conflict coordinator for the Game and Fish. “In conjunction with the Shoshone National Forest, we have posted signs at trailheads and would like to remind folks to always be bear aware and to report any conflict activities or bold behavior from bears immediately to the Game and Fish. Keeping a clean camp with attractants secured is critical to prevent bears from becoming potentially dangerous to people.”
As a reminder, food storage orders are in place on the Shoshone National Forest to avoid bears from obtaining human foods or attractants. Game and Fish is continuing to monitor bear activities in this area and appreciates the support from the public in reporting human-wildlife conflicts.
