Game and Fish wildlife managers euthanized a young male black bear on July 4, after responding to a call on Presbyterian Road, where the bear had accessed unsecured garbage.
Wildlife personnel had responded to multiple reports of the blonde-colored bear in several areas of Story over a two week period and had attempted unsuccessfully to trap it.
The bear received multiple food rewards, including trash and bird feed, and more than one resident had witnessed or captured security camera footage of the bear on their porches.
Because it had repeatedly accessed attractants for many days, the decision was made to euthanize rather than relocate the bear.
Euthanizing a bear is the last resort for wildlife managers and according to Wyoming Game and Fish Public Information Specialist Christina Schmidt, it breaks the hearts of the officials who have to perform the duty.
Bears are a resource in the Bighorn Forest, although a predator, bears are a vital part of the ecosystem that keeps the forest vibrant for hikers, hunters, recreationalists, campers and anyone who enjoys heading up the mountain to enjoy the outdoors.
While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Schmidt informed listeners that living with and having to take precautions for bears is a part of life in Sheridan and Johnson counties. Bears are always on the hunt for food to prepare for the winter months.
C. Schmidt
Taking precautions and preparing for bears to be in the area is a yearly event. Placing garbage and other food rewards that bears seek out into hard-sided buildings is one way to prepare. But figuring out what a bear might find attractive is not always easy, one must think like a bear.
C. Schmidt
To help residents be better prepared to live in bear county, the Game and Fish have developed an informative webpage known as Bear Wise, which can be found by clicking here.
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Last modified: July 13, 2022