Bears Searching for Food

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SHERIDAN-- "An individual near Burgess Junction, west of Dayton, has been intentionally feeding black bears," says Joe Gilbert, Sheridan region wildlife supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Gilbert adds, "This is a very dangerous situation. Because of this selfish behavior, bears have been reported in nearby campgrounds with the bears showing no fear of people. Private property has been damaged in several of these incidents as the bears tried to gain access to human food. Because of these incidents, there is a good chance that these bears will have to be destroyed for human safety."

Gilbert said that once a bear is habituated to human food they are unlikely to return to wild sources. "The old saying 'A fed bear is a dead bear' is often true," Gilbert said. "Feeding wildlife, whether intentional or not, can cause a bear to become habituated to human presence. If a bear becomes a threat to human safety the Game and Fish Department often has no other choice but to destroy it."

People living in bear country can reduce the risk of conflicts with black bears by practicing the following:

    *   Minimize odors and the availability of food rewards throughout your yard and neighborhood.
    *   Remove any dense brush that could provide cover for a bear and make a surprise encounter more likely.
    *   If a bear repeatedly enters your yard, look for what attractants are drawing it there and remove them.
    *   Put out garbage on the day of pick up, not the night before. Store trash in a sturdy building or place in an   approved bear-resistant trash receptacle.
    *   Do not leave pet food outside. Hang bird feeders out of a bear's reach and take them down during periods of high bear activity.
    *   Keep barbecue grills clean and grease free. Store with livestock/pet feed and other attractants inside a sturdy building.
    *   Pick all ripe fruit from fruit trees and surrounding ground.
    *   Compost piles may attract bears. Do not put meat, fish and other pungent scraps in compost piles. Add lime to reduce odors and accelerate decomposition.
    *   Electric fences are an effective way to keep bears out of orchards, gardens, compost piles and beehives. Follow appropriate fence safety precautions.
    *   Never feed wildlife. Nearly any food source can attract bears.
    *   All wildlife can be dangerous. Do not attempt to chase or harass bears out of your yard. Contact the Game and Fish Department for assistance.
    *   Bear activity intensifies in the fall when bears are bulking up for hibernation, and during drought periods when natural foods are scarce.
    *   If a bear is frequenting your property or neighborhood, contact Game and Fish immediately. The sooner wildlife personnel can intervene and prevent habituation, the better the chances the bear will survive.
    *  Carry bear spray when recreating in bear country.

Gilbert says, "As there were four separate incidents in the Burgess Junction area this past week, persons intending to camp in that area should be sure to secure all food properly and be cautious around their campsites."

For more information on bear safety contact the Game and Fish Department Sheridan Office at (307) 672-7418 or log onto the Center for Wildlife Information Web site at www.bebearaware.org.  

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