CHEYENNE — As the weather warms and bears begin to emerge from their winter dens, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department want to remind outdoor recreationists and homeowners to go on the offensive when it comes to avoiding conflict:
“Taking a few simple precautions can help anyone avoid a potentially dangerous encounter with a black or grizzly bear. We want people to stay diligent to avoid any potential bear conflicts.” -Wyoming Game and Fish Department Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator, Brian DeBolt
Bear Wise Wyoming is a Game and Fish an excellent resource for recreationists, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who lives in bear country. The program provides education on how to avoid conflicts with bears and utilize effective deterrence measures when necessary.
Residents in black and grizzly bear country are encouraged to keep garbage, livestock or pet feed and birdseed properly stored and unavailable to bears. Barbeque grills should be kept clean and stored in a garage or shed when possible. This limits attractants that can draw them to areas where people live or camp.
“The majority of people do an excellent job of securing attractants away from bears. Usually, folks simply forget, so we want to remind them how important it is to always make sure everything is stored unavailable to bears all the time.” –Wyoming Game and Fish Department Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator, Brian DeBolt
Recreationists in bear country also need to be aware of the potential for encounters. It is always important to carry a defense and be keenly alert for bear activity. Avoiding any surprise encounters also is important. Hike in a group and do your bet to make noise as you travel so bears can hear you coming. Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use by knowing how to identify tracks, scat and diggings. Areas with carcasses or scavenging birds should be avoided as bears may stay near a carcass to defend it. Commercially-available, EPA-approved bear spray can be an effective deterrent if confronted by a bear.
Game and Fish strives to minimize conflicts between people and large carnivores, as well as quantifying and evaluating how situations occur. It is critical the public notifies the department if a conflict arises as soon as possible.
“In most conflict situations bears do not interact with people, rather they obtain unsecured human foods, livestock or pet foods, garbage or birdseed. We greatly appreciate the public’s communication with Game and Fish to swiftly work to resolve conflicts. If we are notified quickly, the Game and Fish can take action to deter ongoing conflicts, which is good for people and bears.” -Wyoming Game and Fish Department Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator, Brian DeBolt
To learn more visit the Bear Wise Wyoming website.
