VICTOR, Wyo. — According to social media reports, a grizzly bear was seen near Mike Harris Campground in Victor earlier this week.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) and Idaho Fish and Game have looked into the reports and found nothing out of the ordinary, said CTNF’s Teton District Ranger Jay Pence. The bear was reportedly seen on Wednesday around 8 p.m. CTNF was notified by people who had seen the social media accounts, which included photos and video.
“There were rumors that the bear was protecting a moose carcass and chasing people, which was pretty concerning,” Pence told Buckrail. “So we went down last evening, and we conducted a pretty thorough search of the area immediately around the Mike Harris Trailhead, where the bear had been videoed, and we did not see any carcasses there. We would have removed the carcasses, had they been there.”
Pence said that CTNF officials spoke to mountain bikers and hikers during the sweep. When no carcasses or other evidence were detected, CTNF posted signs warning of the reported bear activity in the area. Pence noted that “there are always bears in the area.”
Based on photos posted to the Community Page of Teton County Idaho Facebook account, the bear appeared to be wearing a collar. CTNF could not confirm a collar number. Pence said a video showed the bear wandering through the Mike Harris zone, before it crossed ID33 and headed north.
The bear could be encouraged to stick around the area due to animal carcasses on the side of ID33, which are up to the state to remove. Pence said that if the bear persists and any problems arise, then action will likely be taken to remove the carcasses.
Especially after a bear attack in Yellowstone National Park on Monday, it is in recreationists’ best interest to exercise caution outdoors and be aware of spring bear activity. Officials are reminding the recreating public to travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray. Always remain alert and aware of surroundings when in the backcountry.
