Wildlife roaming into human territory
As regional wildlife makes preparations for winter, there are an increased number of calls about animals wandering into residential areas, especially moose and bears.
Wyoming Game and Fish is asking people to be aware of the possibility and remove anything on their property that might entangle them or entice them into trouble.
Bear attractants should be stashed away. “It has been a relatively quiet summer with regard to bear conflicts, but this is typically the time of year we start receiving an increasing number of reports of black bears being seen in developed areas around Jackson,” said Jackson Large Carnivore Biologist Mike Boyce. “As natural foods begin to dry up, bears commonly start showing up in residential areas. While bears may just be passing through, it’s important they do not get any food rewards, such as improperly stored garbage, that would encourage them to stay.”
Boyce said food rewards allow bears to associate people with food, which can lead to dangerous or destructive behaviors.
Teton County regulations, passed in 2009, apply to bear conflict priority areas, but all residents are encouraged to follow them. Basically, the rules require garbage to be stored in certified bear resistant containers or in a secure building or enclosure at all times. Bird feeders should be hung 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.
In addition to bears, it is a tough time for moose as well. “We typically get a number of moose calls this time of year because it’s the breeding season, the bulls are starting to travel a lot in pursuit of cows and they tend to start rubbing their antlers on whatever they can find,” said Aly Courtemanch, Jackson Wildlife Biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “Consequently, we get reports of bull moose with a variety of things wrapped around their antlers, including fencing, rope swings, wind chimes, Christmas lights, lawn furniture, hammocks and so on.”
“By immediately reporting incidents, we can address the cause of the conflict and hopefully prevent future problems,” says Boyce. “Public safety is always going to be our highest priority, and if informed right away, we have more options in dealing with a problem bear.”
To report a potential wildlife conflict people may call the Jackson office of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 800-423-4113 (in-state only) or 307-733-2321.
