Thanks to generous support from the Grand Teton Foundation, Grand Teton National Park’s Wildlife Brigade will have new wheels to patrol the park this summer. Wildlife Brigade members are part ambassadors, part compliance officers and sometimes essentially grizzly bear crossing guards who are trained to educate visitors about bear safety and promote ethical wildlife viewing practices.
The brand new Ford Maverick pickup truck is kitted out with a rolling message for visitors on the tailgate “Slow Down, Save A Life” reminding motorists to drive cautiously to avoid wildlife collisions.
“Thanks to support from Grand Teton Foundation, our Wildlife Brigade just got a new ride and it’s already making a difference. From responding to bear jams to educating visitors, this vehicle helps us keep animals (and people) safe.” -Grand Teton National Park
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 now supports up to 25 volunteers at any given time who mainly assist with tourists and traffic management during roadside bear jams.
About Grand Teton National Park Wildlife Brigade:
The Wildlife Brigade is a team of trained volunteers who promote ethical wildlife viewing practices, assist with people and traffic management during roadside wildlife jams, patrol developed areas to look for unsecured food and other bear attractants, and educate visitors about bear safety, proper food storage, and other resource-sensitive activities. This program supports two to three seasonal staff, up to twenty-five volunteers, public service announcements on bear safety, and the development of science-based communication materials to promote safer and ethical wildlife viewing. Its development and integration into park operations since 2007 has been critical to grizzly and black bear stewardship as both bear and visitor numbers have increased.
