Griz 399 and fam’ meander through downtown Jackson
Famous bear and her cubs spotted at Center for the Arts, several other places in town
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Famed Grizzly 399 and her 4-cub entourage toured downtown Jackson for the first time last night. The sow has made this her second trip out of Grand Teton National Park for two consecutive autumns. While she has been spotted in developed areas like Wilson, Hoback, and Red Top Meadows, she has never been seen waltzing through city limits as she was observed yesterday.
Local law enforcement, in partnership with officials from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, assisted with escorting the bear family from the Aspen Drive area towards North Saddle Butte. The bears were last reported in the Spring Gulch area and heading north.
“We hope that she continues in that direction,” said Jackson Police Chief Michelle Weber.
With recent bear sightings within town limits the Jackson Police Department is emphasizing the importance of taking steps to ensure that all potential bear attractants are secured, put away and made unavailable. Garbage in trash cans, left over Halloween pumpkins and bird food are all potential items which bears could feed on as they prepare for hibernation.
If you observe a bear within the Jackson town limits you are encouraged to call Teton County Dispatch at (307) 733-2331. By reporting this activity to Dispatch you are enabling professionals to respond in order to reduce possible conflicts with humans or other animals.
Residents are reminded to not put their garbage out the night before pickup, properly dispose of any pumpkins left over from Halloween and to store garbage and bird feeders properly as per Teton County regulations. The Teton County Land Development Regulation applies specifically to the identified Bear Conflict Priority Areas within the county, but all residents are encouraged to follow these regulations.
In order to reduce possible bear conflicts, store garbage in certified bear resistant containers or in a secure building or enclosure at all times. In addition, hang bird feeders 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.
“This is a good reminder to urge residents in the town and county to please not leave garbage outside, remove pumpkins, birdfeeders and anything that bears may be attracted to,” Weber added.
Receiving a food reward conditions bears to associate food with people, which can lead to destructive or dangerous behaviors.
