JACKSON, Wyo. — Human-bear interactions seem to be increasing as the season turns to late summer. On Monday, a resident was attacked on the History Trail on Teton Pass by a mother bear according to Wyoming Game and Fish (WGFD).
The resident was able to deploy bear spray and drive herself to the hospital.
According to Bear Wise, most encounters with bears are defensive. The bear, for example, might be defending their space, food or offspring.
As fall approaches, bears become more active as they are looking to bulk up for the long sleep over the winter.
Bear Wise recommends the following actions to reduce bear conflicts, which WGFD defines as “any circumstances where a bear’s conduct endangers people’s safety, their property, or bear conservation.”
- When recreating in the national parks, utilize the provided bear boxes to store food.
- Always carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively.
- Make noise and stay in groups while on trails.
- When backpacking or camping, keep food at least 100 yards away from your camping area.
- Look around properties and identify any unsecured attractants.
- Store all garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a secure building. Teton County requires IGBC-certified bear-resistant garbage containers in all unincorporated areas of the county. The Town of Jackson requires IGBC-certified garbage containers within designated zones.
- If possible, keep garbage containers indoors until the morning of trash pickup.
- Secure livestock feed, chicken coops, pet food, compost and beehives. Electric fences are effective for securing many of these types of attractants; contact Bear Wise Jackson Hole for assistance.
- Hang birdfeeders in a way that makes them inaccessible to bears. See examples on the Bear Wise Jackson Hole website.
