As the warm summer months beckon outdoor enthusiasts to the stunning landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the region’s abundant wildlife, particularly its bear population, adds an extra layer of adventure to your experience. Nestled amid the rugged beauty of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone’s southern reaches, Jackson Hole is home to both black bears and grizzlies, making bear encounters a real possibility for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.
While these majestic creatures are awe-inspiring, they also demand respect and preparation. Our friends at Bear Wise recently provided safety tips to help you enjoy a worry-free summer in Jackson Hole, ensuring harmony between you and the wild inhabitants of this breathtaking corner of the West.
🐻 If You Are A Resident
- Please look around your property for any unsecured attractants.
- Store all garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a secure building. Teton County requires IGBC-certified bear-resistant garbage containers in all unincorporated areas of the county. The Town of Jackson requires IGBC-certified garbage containers within designated zones.
- If possible, keep garbage containers indoors until the morning of trash pickup.
- Secure livestock feed, chicken coops, pet food, compost, and beehives. Electric fences are effective for securing many of these types of attractants. Contact Bear Wise Jackson Hole for assistance.
- Hang bird feeders in a way that makes them inaccessible to bears. See examples on the Bear Wise Jackson Hole website.
- Help your neighbors create a bear-wise community to protect bears and other wildlife.
Interested in a bear presentation at your next HOA meeting or a bear spray demonstration for your organization? Bear Wise Jackson Hole would be happy to meet with your group. See their website for contact information.
🐻 If you are visiting public lands, such as a national park or national forest
- Never leave your food unattended unless it is properly secured.
- Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
- Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.
- Do not eat or cook in your tent, and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.
- Please respect all wildlife closure areas.
- If you see a bear, give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. If you choose to watch the bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens to maintain an appropriate distance. Park in designated areas, and never block travel lanes. Follow the directions of staff in places where bears are sighted.
🐻 If You Are Exploring The Backcountry
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing earbuds.
- Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
- Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
- Hike in groups of three or more people.
- Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.
For more information about bears and specific regulations, visit the following links:
- Bear Wise Jackson Hole
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Grand Teton National Park
- Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Teton County
- Town of Jackson
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