CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Wednesday they have confirmed the presence of a grizzly bear in the southern Wyoming Range north of Viva Naughton Reservoir.
Game and Fish says it is the second consecutive spring in which grizzly bears have been confirmed in the southern Wyoming Range.
“These spring sightings are the furthest south grizzly bears have been verified since well before recovery efforts began in the 1970s,” Green River Region Wildlife Supervisor Todd Graham said. “This is black bear country, but with the verified presence of a grizzly, people enjoying the upcoming Memorial Day weekend should be practicing bear safety while outside.”
“Be sure to keep a clean camp, free of food waste and garbage.”
The presence of the grizzly was confirmed through remote camera photos obtained by a member of the public who reported the photos to Game and Fish.
“The location is approximately 65 miles south of the Demographic Monitoring Area which is the area considered suitable for the long-term viability of grizzly bears by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” Game and Fish said. “The second grizzly sighting in the area is further evidence of a recovered — and growing — grizzly bear population.”
This particular grizzly was unmarked and is not known to have been involved in any conflicts with people, but Game and Fish said they will continue monitoring.
“It is important to report any conflicts with large carnivores immediately to local Game and Fish,” Graham said.
Game and Fish says campers should follow these safety practices:
- Never store attractants in your tent.
- Store all food, pet food, garbage and any other odorous items inside a vehicle, hard sided campers, horse trailers, bear canisters, or bear boxes.
- Keep clothes worn while cooking stored with food and other attractants.
- Burn all grease off camp stoves.
- Wipe down eating and cooking areas after each use.
- Do not bury garbage; bears will just dig it up.
- Dispose of all garbage properly and pack out any remaining trash.
“For more information on bear safety and being ‘Bear Aware’ visit the Bear Wise Wyoming website guidance on recreating and living in areas inhabited by black and grizzly bears and other large carnivores,” Game and Fish said.
