JACKSON, Wyo. — With shed antler hunting kicking off Monday and the increasing presence of bears, hunters and backcountry travelers are reminded to dust off their bear spray and add it to their gear list.
“Grizzly bears have emerged so carry and know how to use bear spray,” says the U.S. Forest Service. “All coolers, food and garbage must be stored within a hard-sided vehicle.”
In the interest of safety for people and bears, keep a clean camp and keep attractants unavailable to bears. Place coolers in the cab of a truck or in a hard-sided trailer. A cooler or any attractant left out and in the open is a food storage violation and individuals may be cited.
According to the Park Service, approximately fifty percent of adult male grizzly bears are awake by mid-March, and females with young usually emerge anytime between April and mid-May. Bears will be looking for food, including winter-killed carcasses in avalanche paths and other areas.
The park reminds backcountry travelers to be alert, aware of the surrounding area and carry bear spray. Black and grizzly bears may be located anywhere within the park and outside park boundaries in developed areas. Individuals are encouraged to carry bear spray and maintain a minimum of 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Learn more about bears, safe bear viewing and how to properly use bear spray at go.nps.gov/tetonbears.
