JACKSON, Wyo. — These bear-proof trash cans were really put to the test.
Earlier this week, a residential security camera caught footage of two grizzly bears knocking over bear-proof trash bins in the Cache Creek area, right on the edge of town. Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Large Carnivore Specialist Dan Thompson told Buckrail that securing attractants is crucial to preserving human and bear safety.
Thompson noted that bears have been seen across Teton County. Last week, a family of black bears was hanging around the residential area at the base of Snow King.
“It’s a reminder that we’re hitting that even busier time with bears,” Thompson said. “The switch got flipped right around Labor Day.”
“There’s just a ton of bear activity everywhere,” Thompson said. “Regardless of species, if they become food conditioned, they can become dangerous.”
When asked if the grizzly in the video could be Grizzly 399, Thompson said there was a “decent probability” that it was her, but said he couldn’t be sure.
Thompson said people in Teton County are being “fairly compliant” with bear attractant regulations. Review those regulations for Jackson and Teton County here.
WGFD urges residents to secure bear attractants, including food, garbage, livestock feed, pet food and more. Bring pets inside at night. Consider electric fencing around vegetable gardens, compost piles, beehives, fruit trees and other attractants that need protection from bears. Residents in need of electric fencing materials or assistance setting up an electric fence can contact the WGFD Jackson Regional office.
Bear conflicts should be reported to Game and Fish as soon as possible by calling the Jackson Regional office at (307) 733-2321 or the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (943-3857).
For more on bear safety, see WGFD’s Bear Wise Wyoming website.
