Wyoming is bear country

Many parts of Wyoming are home to both black bears and grizzly bears.

Bears may avoid encounters, however hunters can certainly come into contact with a bear that does not avoid you and instead exhibits predatory or aggressive behavior.

There have been 7 people killed by grizzly bear attacks in the Yellowstone area since 2010, including the most recent tragic death of hunting guide, Mark Uptain, in the Teton Wilderness east of Grand Teton National Park. There have also been numerous bear encounters that ended with human injuries and/or bear fatalities.

Within the last few weeks, three grizzly bears were trapped for livestock deprivation in western Hot Springs County, home to some very desirable big game hunting areas. Two of the bears were relocated and one was euthanized.

Hunters and those recreating in bear country should take extra precautions. This time of year bears are preparing for hibernation and they seek out excessive food in order to gain weight, which means bears will travel further and be active longer hours in their search for food.

While grizzly bears are normally more aggressive, black bears can also behave aggressively. Black bear numbers are managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish with two hunting seasons, one in spring and one in fall. It is important to be able to tell the difference between a grizzly bear and a black bear, however hunters and recreationists should be prepared for aggressive behavior in either.

Estimates are that there are more than 700 grizzly bears in the area around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. They were taken off the federal endangered species list in 2017.

Grizzly hunting in Wyoming was expected to begin in September but a federal judge has twice delayed the hunt and may rule to not allow it to take place at all.

With hunters and recreationists sharing the back country with so many grizzly bears and black bears, encounters are becoming more and more common.

For information and tips on staying safe around bears, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website at https://wgfd.wy.gov and click on their Bear Wise page.