Federal biologists will begin capturing grizzly bears inside Yellowstone National Park starting May 1st, with operations continuing through October 15th, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor the species’ recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Geological Survey, working alongside Yellowstone National Park, announced the seasonal trapping effort through its Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team. The captures are a key component of long-term research and population management for grizzly bears across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
To draw bears into capture zones, biologists use natural food sources including recently road-killed deer and elk. Once a site shows signs of grizzly activity, teams deploy either culvert traps or foot snares. All captured animals are handled under strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Park visitors should be on alert for brightly colored warning signs posted at major access points near active capture sites. Officials are urging the public to take those signs seriously and avoid any posted areas during capture operations.
“It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.” -National Park Service
The monitoring program plays a central role in tracking the health and trajectory of the Greater Yellowstone grizzly population, data that directly informs wildlife management decisions for one of North America’s most closely watched large predator populations.
Anyone with questions about the capture efforts can reach the IGBST trapping hotline at 406-994-6675. Additional information on grizzly bear research and monitoring is available through the IGBST website.
