Wyoming bears are beginning to awaken and end up being active
Stay safe and bear conscious
4/3/2023 8:41:44 PM
Cheyenne – Wyoming’s bears are waking from hibernation throughout the state. The bears’ spring introduction acts as a tip for outside recreationalists and house owners in bear-inhabited locations of Wyoming to review bear safety.
“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,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator Brian DeBolt said. “We want people to stay diligent to avoid any potential bear conflicts.”
Bear Wise Wyoming is a resource for recreationalists, outside lovers and anybody who resides in bear nation. DeBolt said everybody has a function in putting bear-safety practices in location this spring.
For individuals who reside in bear nation — black or grizzly — keep trash, animals or animal feed and birdseed appropriately kept and not available to bears. Barbeque grills must be kept tidy and kept in a garage or shed when possible. This limitations attractants that can draw them to locations where individuals live or camp.
“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,” DeBolt said.
Those who recreate in bear nation likewise require to be knowledgeable about the capacity for encounters with bears. When recreating in bear environment, be prepared and alert, your primary objective is to not have a surprise encounter with a bear. Hike in a group and make sounds as you take a trip so bears can hear you. Learn to acknowledge locations of heavy bear usage by understanding how to determine tracks, scats and diggings, and if you smell a carcass, prevent it. Congregating magpies or ravens frequently show a neighboring prospective food source for bears. Remember, when bears take advantage of or scavenge big animals they frequently cover what they can’t consume with brush or dirt and might remain close by for a number of days to safeguard it from other big predators.
Commercially-available bear spray is an efficient deterrent if faced by a bear. Carry bear spray in an easily available way, ensure you understand how to utilize it which the spray is EPA authorized. Use bear spray just as a deterrent.
Game and Fish aims to reduce disputes in between individuals and big predators, in addition to measuring and assessing how circumstances happen. It is vital the general public informs Game and Fish if a dispute occurs as quickly 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,” DeBolt said. “We greatly appreciate the public’s communication with Game and Fish to swiftly work to resolve conflict potential.”
Many times Game and Fish can act to successfully hinder continuous disputes, which benefits individuals and bears.
To learn more check out the Bear Wise Wyoming website.
(Breanna Ball, Public Information Officer – ([email protected]))
– WGFD –
