MOOSE, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) observed its first grizzly bear of 2023 early yesterday evening, according to an interagency press release this morning.
GTNP along with the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Bear Wise Jackson Hole and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department reminds the public to secure attractants of any kind and be bear aware as bears become active this spring.
It is typical for adult male grizzly bears to emerge from hibernation in March, while females with young typically appear between April and early May. The first grizzly bear sighting of 2022 in the Jackson Hole area occurred on March 13 in GTNP. When bears emerge from their dens, they search for any available foods and often scavenge animals that died during the winter.
“All of Teton County is now in occupied grizzly bear habitat.”
Grand Teton National Park
The park added that while seeing a bear in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience, living and recreating in bear country requires awareness and actions to keep bears and people safe.
“As the grizzly bear population expands within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, bears continue to disperse across their historical range but also into more populated areas,” said GTNP in a press release this morning. “All of Teton County is now in occupied grizzly bear habitat.”
GTNP asks the public to do their part to help protect bears. Additional information on safety in bear country can be found here.
