Bear activity prompts safety restrictions

The Jackson and Buffalo ranger districts have enacted restrictions requiring visitors to stay 100 yards from grizzly or black bears.

Bridger-Teton National Forest officials said bear activity has increased throughout the northern areas of forest near roads, trails and in backcountry areas.Hikers are advised to travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray.

“This order is very important for visitor safety and easing the pressure of human presence off of bears,” said Tom Matza, Buffalo District ranger. “Many of the adjacent parks and forests have the same restriction.”

The forest also implemented a restriction for camping at Turpin Meadows Campground.The campground and Turpin Meadows is open only to hardsided campers due to bear activity.The campground is located off of the Buffalo Valley road about 10 miles east of Moran, Wyoming.