JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Wyoming Game and Fish relocated a problem grizzly bear on Wednesday, May 10.
The sub-adult had been frequenting developed areas on provate lands on the South Fork of the Shoshone River west of Cody. In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the bear was relocated to the Blackrock Creek drainage approximately 12 miles east of Moran.
Grizzly bear relocation is a management tool afforded bear management personnel to minimize conflicts between humans and grizzlies. The decision to relocate and the selection of a relocation site is made taking into consideration the age, sex, and type of conflict the bear was involved in.
Since grizzly bears are listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the appropriate land management agency is also made to minimize the chance of future conflicts and maximize the survival potential of the relocated grizzlies. Bears are relocated in accordance with federal law and regulation. When selecting a relocation site, the department makes every consideration to minimize potential conflicts with livestock and people.
