Food storage order extended to limit bear encounters

After a season of busy bear activity, the Bridger Teton National Fore has temporarily expanded its food storage order. The order, which promotes a safer environment for humans and bears will be in effect until January 15, 2019.

In addition, visitors to the Blackrock and Jackson Ranger Districts will find a wider regulatory boundary where proper storing, processing, transporting and camping with food or attractants will be enforced.

The forest said the order will help keep visitors safe by mitigating encounters in areas humans frequent and a bear might be attracted. That will help alleviate interactions in places like campgrounds, trailheads and picnic sites.

The regulation covers human food (including canned foods, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages), harvested game animals, pet food, processed livestock feed and grains and personal hygiene items, like soap, toothpaste and deodorants. All must be stored in a way that is unavailable to bears.

Attractants also include garbage and empty food containers.

Proper storage methods include bear-resistant containers or hard-sided vehicles. Visitors may also suspend those items at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from any vertical support.

Under the order, all food or anything else with an odor that might invite a curious bear must be stored safely. That includes keeping it away from the reach of a bear when an area is unattended. An area is “attended” when a person is physically present within 100 feet and direct sight of the food or carcass.