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Not Too Early for Bear Encounters
03/14/2003
WGFD
JACKSON/CODY – Recent sightings of a grizzly bear in the Buffalo Valley near Moran and a black bear near Pinedale is a clear indication that bears are emerging from their dens.
According to Game and Fish Grizzly Bear Conflict Officer Mark Bruscino, it is not unusual for some bears to emerge time of the year. “Typically, boars emerge from their dens earlier than do sows,” he said. “Sows and young of the year cubs generally come out in late April and early May,” said Bruscino.
Bears wander over the big game winter ranges in early spring searching for winter-killed deer and elk. This year’s mild winter will make it difficult for early emerging bears to find food and this could bring bears into conflict with people. Bruscino cautions that now is the time to take the necessary precautions to avoid conflicts with bears. “The majority of people in and around bear country do a good job of keeping foods away from bears and although it seems early, it’s never to early to become bear aware,” he said.
There were 225 human/grizzly conflicts reported last year in Wyoming. According to Bruscino, many of those were related to improperly stored food and garbage. If you live in bear country, he recommends keeping livestock feed and barbeque grills stored properly and bird feeders and dog bowls brought in after dark.
The Game and Fish Department does not recommend antler hunting in grizzly country until after spring green-up in early May. However, the competitive nature of antler hunting has some enthusiasts beginning their search in early March.
Although the G&F Commission did not adopt an antler hunting regulation, wildlife harassment associated with antler hunting is still a concern to the Department. “The tail-end of winter is a critical time for wildlife because they are critically low on energy reserves,” says North Jackson Game Warden, Bill Long. “We are asking all recreationists to remember many winter closures remain in effect until May 1, and to avoid wintering wildlife when possible,” added Long.
Bear encounters often occur when bears are surprised. In response to this surprise, a bear may bluff charge. This behavior allows the bear to determine the seriousness of a threat. If it feels the need to eliminate the threat, it will charge.
When hiking, avoid bear encounters with caution. Make noise as you travel and approach areas upwind to increase the opportunity for bears to hear and smell you ahead of time. Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use based upon tracks, scats and diggings. If you see or smell a carcass, avoid it. Flocks of magpies, ravens or jays often indicate a carcass is nearby.
Remember, when bears scavenge large animals they often cover what they can’t eat with brush or dirt and may stay close by to defend the carcass for several days.
Commercial pepper sprays have proven effective in stopping aggressive bears. Consumers should be sure to purchase pepper spray that has “Bear Deterrent” on the label and is EPA approved with an EPA registration number.
Use pepper spray only as a deterrent and as a last resort to avoiding a physical encounter. Spraying an area or personal property with pepper spray to repel bears is not recommended.
03/14/2003
WGFD
JACKSON/CODY – Recent sightings of a grizzly bear in the Buffalo Valley near Moran and a black bear near Pinedale is a clear indication that bears are emerging from their dens.
According to Game and Fish Grizzly Bear Conflict Officer Mark Bruscino, it is not unusual for some bears to emerge time of the year. “Typically, boars emerge from their dens earlier than do sows,” he said. “Sows and young of the year cubs generally come out in late April and early May,” said Bruscino.
Bears wander over the big game winter ranges in early spring searching for winter-killed deer and elk. This year’s mild winter will make it difficult for early emerging bears to find food and this could bring bears into conflict with people. Bruscino cautions that now is the time to take the necessary precautions to avoid conflicts with bears. “The majority of people in and around bear country do a good job of keeping foods away from bears and although it seems early, it’s never to early to become bear aware,” he said.
There were 225 human/grizzly conflicts reported last year in Wyoming. According to Bruscino, many of those were related to improperly stored food and garbage. If you live in bear country, he recommends keeping livestock feed and barbeque grills stored properly and bird feeders and dog bowls brought in after dark.
The Game and Fish Department does not recommend antler hunting in grizzly country until after spring green-up in early May. However, the competitive nature of antler hunting has some enthusiasts beginning their search in early March.
Although the G&F Commission did not adopt an antler hunting regulation, wildlife harassment associated with antler hunting is still a concern to the Department. “The tail-end of winter is a critical time for wildlife because they are critically low on energy reserves,” says North Jackson Game Warden, Bill Long. “We are asking all recreationists to remember many winter closures remain in effect until May 1, and to avoid wintering wildlife when possible,” added Long.
Bear encounters often occur when bears are surprised. In response to this surprise, a bear may bluff charge. This behavior allows the bear to determine the seriousness of a threat. If it feels the need to eliminate the threat, it will charge.
When hiking, avoid bear encounters with caution. Make noise as you travel and approach areas upwind to increase the opportunity for bears to hear and smell you ahead of time. Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use based upon tracks, scats and diggings. If you see or smell a carcass, avoid it. Flocks of magpies, ravens or jays often indicate a carcass is nearby.
Remember, when bears scavenge large animals they often cover what they can’t eat with brush or dirt and may stay close by to defend the carcass for several days.
Commercial pepper sprays have proven effective in stopping aggressive bears. Consumers should be sure to purchase pepper spray that has “Bear Deterrent” on the label and is EPA approved with an EPA registration number.
Use pepper spray only as a deterrent and as a last resort to avoiding a physical encounter. Spraying an area or personal property with pepper spray to repel bears is not recommended.
