The National Park Service employs hundreds of full time staff in Grand Teton National Park and they also benefit from a volunteer force known as The Wildlife Brigade who are trained to educate visitors about bear safety and promote ethical wildlife viewing practices.
The Wildlife Brigade program began in 2007 and has proved critical to effective grizzly and black bear stewardship as both bear and visitor numbers have increased. The program supports up to 25 volunteers at any given time and one of their most high profile responsibilities to assist with tourists and traffic management during roadside bear jams.
Grand Teton’s Wildlife Brigade members are part ambassadors, part compliance officers and sometimes essentially grizzly bear crossing guards. As summer approaches in the Tetons and grizzlies descend from the backcountry to graze on roadside meadows, traffic congestion from visitors pulling their cars over to watch becomes an everyday occurrence and the Wildlife Brigade is often on scene to ensure the safety of both visitors and the bears.
The following video is a perfect example of a Wildlife Brigade volunteer in action as he calmly conducts traffic and keeps tourists inside their vehicles to ensure the safe passage of a sow grizzly and her three young cubs.
“When we’re thinking about wildlife management, it’s not wildlife management, it’s people management. We’re letting the bears be bears.” -Tyler Brasington, Wildlife Management Ranger
If you are interested in joining Grand Teton National Park’s Wildlife Brigade or supporting them through a donation towards their topnotch training and everyday equipment needs, you can find more information here. Learn more about grizzly safety at Grand Teton National Park below.
Grand Teton National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
• Do not approach the animal. Enjoy the moment from a safe distance: minimum 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other animals.
• Never park in front of a crossing animal. Give wildlife the space they need.
• Follow directions from park staff. The Wildlife Brigade is trained to observe animal behavior. A safe spot one minute may not be safe the next.
• Stay flexible and alert. These are dynamic situations, and guidance may change quickly.
• Expect crowds. Wildlife sightings draw a lot of attention—especially bears.
• Watch for traffic. Stay out of travel lanes and remain right of the white line where applicable. That applies to viewing on foot and in stopped vehicles.
• Some jams may be shut down. If safety becomes a concern, we may need to clear the area.
• Different rules in developed areas. In places like campgrounds or lodges, our goal is to help the animal move on—not to manage a viewing opportunity.
The Wildlife Brigade’s goal is always to create a safe, educational, and respectful experience for all. Your patience and cooperation help keep both people and wildlife safe.
