JACKSON, Wyo. — Local bear activity in both Teton County, WY, and Teton County, ID, is a reminder for residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid bear encounters.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, a Teton County, Idaho resident captured a video of a bear walking through a yard outside of Driggs. The bear was sighted off of ID33 between Driggs and Victor, according to the Community Page of Teton County Idaho’s Facebook page.
A bear sighting in Wilson was reported on Aug. 22, a quarter-mile north of WY22’s Snake River Bridge near Emily Stevens Park, according to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office.
This summer, a subadult male grizzly bear was captured in Wilson and released northwest of Cody on July 31, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) said in an announcement. The agency said the bear was “relocated preemptively because it frequented developed areas on private lands in the Wilson.”
James Brower, Regional Communications Director for Idaho Fish and Game in the upper Snake River region, told Buckrail that recent bear sightings have gotten close to habitable areas.
“Victor and Driggs are close to the western slope of the Tetons, so it’s not unheard of to hear about grizzlies in these areas,” Brower said. “It’s key to keep any trash or anything that smells away from the house in bear-proof containers. Bears live their entire world through their sense of smell to navigate the landscape. They are like teenagers; once they find the fridge, they keep coming back.”
According to the WGFD, with fall approaching, bears are moving around more in search of food.
“During the fall, bears are trying to consume as many calories as possible in preparation for hibernation,” WGFD Public Information and Education Specialist Raegin Akhtar told Buckrail. “This can result in increased activity around potential food sources. Food sources around private residences such as trash, livestock feed, pet food and other attractants should be secured in a bear-resistant container or inside a building where bears can’t get into.”
The WGFD has shared tips for reducing the risk of problems with bears on or near a property.
- Garbage should be stored where bears can neither smell nor gain access to it: either in a bear-resistant container or inside a building bears can’t get into. Use outside garbage cans for non-food items only. Haul garbage to an approved disposal site as often as possible, but at least once a week, to avoid the build-up of odors.
- Composting is not recommended because the odors attract bears. If you do compost, use an electric fence or enclosed, bear-resistant composter. Don’t put meat, grease or bones in a compost pile.
- Livestock and poultry feed and pet food should be stored in bear-resistant containers – such as a 55-gallon drum with a lid that seals – preferably inside a sturdy building that bears can’t get into.
- Dogs and other pets should be kept inside at night. If possible, feed pets inside.
- Fruit trees attract bears, especially when wild foods are scarce. Electric fencing is the most effective way to keep bears out of orchards. Pick all fruit from trees and the ground as soon as possible; do not leave fruit through the fall.
- Sheep and pigs are easy prey for bears. Sheep should be closely herded. Consider electric fencing for pigs, or not keeping pigs. Do not bury dead livestock – bears will dig them up. Haul them to a landfill or rendering plant.
- Bird feeders can also attract bears. Feed suet only during the winter months, and suspend hummingbird feeders out of reach of bears – at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from any tree trunk or pole.
- Bears love honey as well as bee larvae found in hives. Hives can be protected with electric fencing or by elevating the hives on platforms supported by metal poles that bears can’t climb.
If bears get into garbage or other food, remove the attractant immediately and notify the regional game and fish office.
“Avoid giving bears a repeated food reward,” the WGFD urges on its website. “Bears that associate people and places people live with easy food rewards can become dangerous, and may eventually have to be euthanized. Please do your part so people and bears can live together.”
