News – Sheridan Media
With the arrival of spring, bears will begin to wake from a long winter slumber.
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 program, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Information Specialist Christina Schmidt informed listeners that living with and having to take precautions for bears is a part of life in Sheridan and Johnson counties. After months of hibernating in their dens, soon bears will be waking up hungry and looking for opportunities to feed.
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. Game and Fish suggest moving dog and cat foods, BBQ grills and any other food related materials, such as other animal feeds, indoors. Vegetable and flower gardens also attract bears. Gardens should be located away from forests or shrubs, which bears use for security and travel. Bears will dig up carrots and bulbs, so electric fencing is a good idea.
The Game and Fish Department has information that will help one to think more like a bear and take precautions to keep hungry bears moving through your property as opposed to a regularly visited feeding location. To learn more, click here.
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Last modified: March 9, 2023