JACKSON, Wyo. — A bear was spotted making its morning commute on Friday in Miller Park.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) received reports of the bear meandering through the downtown Jackson park around 8:15 a.m. WGFD Public Information Specialist Raegin Akhtar told Buckrail that the bear had already moved on by the time the agency’s large carnivore biologist arrived on scene.

A juvenile black bear seen in Miller Park on Friday morning just after 8 a.m. Bear-proof garbage cans are visible in the background. Photo: Gabe Koerber

“From videos that were taken by members of the public, as well as a few tracks, our biologist was able to find it [appeared] to be a juvenile black bear likely just passing through the area,” Akhtar said via text message.

There were no reports of conflict, but WGFD said it’s a great reminder for residents to make sure attractants are secured. The Town of Jackson has been working to replace all public garbage cans with bear-resistant cans, and that goal is expected to be met by June 30.

Various wild animals cut through the downtown corridor every so often. Moose have been spotted in town, especially during winters with above-average snowfall. Bears have also made appearances on Pine Drive and Aspen Drive, near Snow King. Though, the most famous cameo was when Grizzly 399 and her four cubs sauntered through the parking lot at the Jackson Hole Police Department in November of 2021. Wildlife observers should maintain a distance of 100 yards from bears.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.