JACKSON, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park Service (GTNP) is reminding park goers that trash does not belong in bear boxes.
Recently, GTNP shared photos of a bear box stuffed full of trash, along with “No Trash” stickers on the box. Bear boxes are meant for secure storage of food so that bears cannot have easy access to food rewards. If bears are food-conditioned, this may lead to more dangerous bear encounters or lethal removal of a bear.
“With the influx of visitors this year, our trails have not only been littered with people but with trash too,” GTNP said.
“This picture is what one of our rangers found at our bear boxes! We can do better,” said GTNP on Facebook. “If you’re visiting Grand Teton, please follow leave no trace principles and dispose of waste properly in designated trash or recycling receptacles. A bear box is not a trash can.”
“These problems do not stop at our neighbor’s borders,” Bridger-Teton National Forest service said in response to GTNP’s post. “Remember the basics, pack it in, pack it out, leave no trace and if you can, leave a place better than you found it. Thank you for doing your part to keep our public lands clean!”
Don’t be trashy, keep it classy.
