JACKSON, Wyo. — It’s berry season for both people and bears and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is reminding folks to pick with care.
The park is home to an array of berries ripe for foraging, including huckleberries, wild raspberries, thimbleberries and hawthorn. It’s also home to poisonous berries, like baneberries. This is why GTNP cautions foragers to correctly identify berries before picking.
Humans aren’t the only ones interested in the park’s berries. Now’s the time when local wildlife is eating these fruits to built up fat stores before winter. Some animals can pack on as many as three pounds in a day.
GTNP is reminding people to be mindful while picking so that humans and animals alike can stay safe and enjoy the bounteous berries in the park.
While foraging for berries, be sure to:
- Respect local harvesting limits. The park’s regulations are one pint per species per person per day. Check out the 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for more information about foraging.
- Correctly identify each plant to avoid poisonous ones. Don’t risk it by doing a “taste test.” Do not eat anything without being 100% sure is safe.
- Respect and watch out for local wildlife who are foraging too. Don’t get surprised by or surprise an animal while it’s eating.
- Pay attention to surroundings. Berry picking can be distracting, but don’t wander too far off of a path and get lost.
