GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is asking visitors to respect posted closures as National Park Service (NPS) biologists begin conducting black bear capture operations in the area.

According to a GTNP social media post, the capture operations are anticipated to take place from Sept. 28 through Oct 31. The efforts support ongoing bear research and monitoring in the park. The post states: “Any grizzly bears captured during these efforts may be handled in support of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team’s monitoring program to document grizzly bear recovery under the Endangered Species Act.”

During bear capture operations, bright warning signs will be posted near trap sites to inform the public of closures.

“For bear and human safety, the public must respect these closures and stay out of the posted areas,” GTNP said on Facbeook. “All trap sites in the park will be located away from established roadways, hiking trails, and backcountry campsites.”

Culvert traps seen in Grand Teton National Park in June 2025. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

NPS scientists use natural food sources, like road-killed elk, to bait bears into culvert traps. From there, the bears are handled with strict safety and animal care protocols. Bears are then allowed time to fully recover before being released. Data gathered from bear captures is used to inform ongoing research and management efforts. GTNP said the operations and data are vital to the continued conservation of bear populations in the region.

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.