A grizzly bear was recently spotted in Lincoln County close to the Idaho and Utah borders, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced Wednesday.
Remote camera photos captured images of the grizzly, which were then reported by a member of the public. This is the second spring in a row that a grizzly has been spotted in the southern Wyoming Range.
“This is black bear country, but with the verified presence of a grizzly, people enjoying the upcoming Memorial Day weekend should be practicing bear safety while outside,” said Todd Graham, Green River Region wildlife supervisor. “Be sure to keep a clean camp, free of food waste and garbage.”
The grizzly bear was unmarked and not known to be involved in any conflicts. The Game and Fish Department will continue to monitor the situation.
“It is important to report any conflicts with large carnivores immediately to local Game and Fish,” Graham said.
The bear was spotted approximately 65 miles south of the area considered suitable for the long-term viability of grizzly bears by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The sighting in the area is further evidence of a recovered and growing grizzly bear population, the department said.
“These spring sightings are the furthest south grizzly bears have been verified since well before recovery efforts began in the 1970s,” Graham said.
Game and Fish recommends that campers:
- Never store attractants in your tent.
- Store all food, pet food, garbage and any other odorous items inside a vehicle, hard sided campers, horse trailers, bear canisters, or bear boxes.
- Keep clothes worn while cooking stored with food and other attractants.
- Burn all grease off camp stoves.
- Wipe down eating and cooking areas after each use.
- Do not bury garbage; bears will just dig it up.
- Dispose of all garbage properly and pack out any remaining trash.
