Bear Activity in Town Limits – Steps to Avoid Bear Conflict
On Tuesday night, November 9th, local law enforcement in partnership with officials from U.S. Fish and Wildlife helped escort Bear 399 and her cubs from the Aspen Drive area towards North Saddle Butte. The bears were last reported in the Spring Gulch area and heading north. “We hope that she continues in that direction,” stated Jackson Police Chief Michelle Weber.
With recent bear sightings within Jackson Town limits the Jackson Police Department is emphasizing the importance of taking steps to ensure that all potential bear attractants are secured, put away and made unavailable. Garbage in trash cans, left over Halloween pumpkins and bird food are all potential items which bears could feed on as they prepare for hibernation.
If you observe a bear within the Jackson town limits you are encouraged to call Teton County Dispatch at (307) 733-2331. By reporting this activity to Dispatch you are enabling professionals to respond in order to reduce possible conflicts with humans or other animals.
Residents are reminded to not put their garbage out the night before pickup, properly dispose of any pumpkins left over from Halloween and to store garbage and bird feeders properly as per Teton County regulations. The Teton County Land Development Regulation applies specifically to the identified Bear Conflict Priority Areas within the county, but all residents are encouraged to follow these regulations. In order to reduce possible bear conflicts store garbage in certified bear resistant containers or in a secure building or enclosure at all times. In addition, hang bird feeders with a catch pan, at least 10 feet from the ground, deck railing or patio and 4 feet away from any tree, post, or support structure.
“This is a good reminder to urge residents in the Town and County to please not leave garbage outside, remove pumpkins, birdfeeders and anything that bears may be attracted to,” said Chief Weber. Receiving a food reward conditions bears to associate food with people, which can lead to destructive or dangerous behaviors.
Please help us to help keep the community, Bear 399, her cubs and all bears safe and conflict-free.