Grand Teton National Park released a warning as bears are starting to become active with the spring transition around Teton County, asking the public for their continued help in preventing human-bear conflicts. Male grizzly bears begin to exit their winter dens in March, while females with young tend to emerge between April and early May.
The first confirmed grizzly bear sighting of the 2025 season in the park was reported on March 19. Residents and visitors of Teton County and the Jackson Hole area are reminded to secure attractants of any kind and remain bear aware.
“Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. However, living and recreating in bear country requires awareness and actions on our part to keep bears wild and people safe. As the grizzly bear population expanded within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, bears dispersed across their historical range but also in proximity to more populated areas. All of Teton County is now in occupied grizzly bear habitat.” – National Park Service
A minimum of 168 human-bear conflicts in Teton County and the Town of Jackson were responded to by Wyoming Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff in 2024, double the long-term average. Black bear incidents, particularly along lakeshore areas, saw a surge in Grand Teton National Park, and black bear activity around the Teton Pass trail system outside of Wilson increased in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. 9 bears were lethally removed in that corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in 2024.
Coolers, cooking equipment, bird feeders, pet dishes, and anything else associated with human or domestic animal food can attract bears, especially when easily accessible. Tourists and residents need to properly store attractants to ensure bears stay away from food rewards, as bears conditioned to human foods are likely to exhibit bolder behavior risking both the animal and humans. Read more on preventing human-bear conflict below:
Grand Teton National Park Guidelines To Preventing Human-Bear Conflict:
If you are a resident:
- Please look around your property for 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.
- Help your neighbors create a bear-wise community to protect bears and other wildlife.
If you are visiting public lands, such as a national park or national forest:
- Never leave your food unattended unless it is properly secured.
- Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
- Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.
- Do not eat or cook in your tent, and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.
- Please respect all wildlife closure areas.
- If you see a bear, give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. If you choose to watch the bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens to maintain an appropriate distance. Park in designated areas, and never block travel lanes. Follow the directions of staff in places where bears are sighted.
If you are exploring the backcountry:
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing earbuds.
- Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
- Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
- Hike in groups of three or more people.
- Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.
