JACKSON, Wyo. — Grizzly 399 and her four 1-year-old cubs have been spotted south of Grand Teton National Park.
Reports of the famous grizzly and her cubs began pouring in early this week. Grand Teton National Park alerted Jackson Game and Fish on Tuesday that the bears were on the move south. Game and Fish also received a variety of reports of the bears moving through private property as the week has unfolded.
“From yesterday afternoon to today we have not had a report or been able to substantiate any reports of where they are,” Mark Gocke Game and Fish public information specialist said.
While it may be concerning that the famous bear family is out and about outside of the park, their movements are not uncharacteristic.
Denise Germann Grand Teton National Park spokesperson said, “Bears are wild. Grizzlies in particular are expanding their territories. We should anticipate seeing bears in additional areas across the landscape.”
Gocke also discussed how the bears are in search of food ahead of hibernation. “It’s getting to be that time of year when natural foods are drying up and berries are ripening. These bears have a great sense of smell and are going to zero in on whatever they come across.”
For the community, that means making sure all attractants are secure. Attractants include pet food, livestock feed, compost, BBQ grills and garbage. Game and Fish is discouraging people from putting out the garbage the night before trash collection to make sure bears do not have access.
“From now through the fall we are going to see an increase in bear activity. These aren’t the only bears cruising the snake river corridor,” Gocke said.
Motorists should also be aware of wildlife, especially traveling on Highway 390, particularly during dawn and dusk.
“It’s really important that these bears do not receive any food,” Gocke said.
