News – Sheridan Media
The Wyoming Game and Fish are alerting the public that the Cowboy State’s bears are waking from hibernation. The bears’ spring emergence serves as a reminder for outdoor recreationalists and homeowners in bear-inhabited areas of Wyoming to brush up on bear safety.
According to Wyoming Game and Fish Department Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator Brian DeBolt even the most experienced recreationalist or rural homeowner who has lived in bear country for years can wind up in a close encounter or conflict situation with a bear. He said the Game and Fish want people to stay diligent to avoid any potential bear conflicts.
During an appearance last month on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Game and Fish Sheridan Region Public Information Specialists Christina Schmidt told listeners it’s the time of year to get bear wise.
C. Schmidt
Bear Wise Wyoming is a resource for recreationalists, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who lives in bear country. DeBolt said everyone has a role in putting bear-safety practices in place this spring.
For residents of Wyoming who live in bear country — black or grizzly — 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.
DeBolt said the majority of the people in rural areas of Wyoming do an excellent job of securing attractants away from bears, this time of year is always a good reminder to remain vigilant and remember to secure attractants to minimize the potential for conflict.
Game and Fish would also like to alert those who recreate in bear country. When recreating in bear habitat, be prepared and alert. Game and Fish report the main goal is to not have a surprise encounter with a bear. Hike in a group and make noise as you travel so bears can hear you. Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use by knowing how to identify tracks, scats and diggings, and if you smell a carcass, avoid it. Congregating magpies or ravens often indicate a nearby potential food source for bears. The department would like to remind people, when bears prey on or scavenge large animals they often cover what they can’t eat with brush or dirt and may stay nearby for several days to defend it from other large carnivores.
Commercially-available bear spray is an effective deterrent if confronted by a bear. Carry bear spray in a readily accessible manner, make sure you know how to use it and that the spray is EPA approved. Use bear spray only as a deterrent.
It is critical the public notifies the Game and Fish Department as soon as possible should a conflict arise.
Many times Game and Fish can take action to effectively deter ongoing conflicts, which is good for people and bears.
To learn more visit the Bear Wise Wyoming website.
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Last modified: April 5, 2023