Be A Part of the Solution
A grizzly Success
Grand Teton Matriarch 399 Inspires New Coexistence Partnership
By Louisa Willcox
A special thanks to Louisa Willcox and the Grizzly Times for producing an in-depth look at grizzly-human coexistence in Jackson and Teton County, WY. Grizzly Times is a great source for grizzly bear news and bear safety, providing a voice for the grizzly bear in the Yellowstone area and the ecosystems of the northern Rocky Mountains of the U.S.
“At Grizzly Times, we seek to conserve and recover the grizzly bear by using the most precise and comprehensive science available. We look to expand and connect its wild refuges, as well as restore it to suitable habitat from which it was eliminated by settlers, while keeping it safe from ever-encroaching humans. There are those who still see the grizzly as a threat or a trophy, but we believe it is our obligation to protect it.” -Grizzly Times
Photo By Walter Ackerman
Jackson Hole Bear Solutions reduces human-bear conflict by facilitating the distribution and use of bear-resistant trash cans and other resources.
these efforts empower humans to protect bears and their property — while Stewarding the ecosystem that makes the Tetons unique.
JH Bear Solutions seeks to remove barriers and improve access to bear-resistant trash cans for all residents of Teton County — regardless of their financial status. We aspire to empower all residents to adhere to local regulations as well as take responsibility for their part in living alongside bears.
FUNDS NEEDED FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF CAN ORDERS!
We distributed the last few cans at the beginning of May, 2023 and are raising funds to get another shipment here asap. Please consider a donation to help us reach our goal of $95,000.
Video generously filmed and edited by Syler Peralta-Ramos: Sylerpr.com @sylerpr
What is the Problem?
As traditional food sources for bears diminish due to a variety of factors — including expanding human impact, climate change, and more — they are forced to travel greater distances to acquire sufficient food for themselves and their cubs. Ranging outside of the National Parks often means traversing land that is used for grazing cattle, is home to humans, or is dissected by busy – and potentially deadly – roads.
Human trash is the leading attractant for bears seeking an alternate food source. Once bears find an unnatural source of food (such as garbage, livestock feed, chickens, or beekeepers’ apiaries) they can become conditioned to return to these areas. When they do, conflict arises — property is damaged, humans and domesticated animals are put at risk, and bears are often killed. Securing these attractants can make all the difference.
In 2016, a record number of grizzlies were killed as a result of conflicts with humans. Of the total 58 bears that died, nearly 70% of their deaths were determined to be human-caused. In Jackson alone, two young cubs were killed when they were hit by vehicles. In 2021, six grizzly bears were killed due to conflicts with humans including three bears directly related to the famous bear 399. Grizzly bears are a threatened species protected under the Endangered Species Act and are also a vital part of Jackson’s irresistible draw to visitors from across the globe. Like all bears, they’re a resource worth protecting.
Why protect Grizzly Bears?
Reducing conflict with humans is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to protect this iconic species.
Grizzly Bears are a keystone species; they’re a vital piece of the overarching ecosystem and the complex way that it thrives. If grizzlies disappear, many other facets of the ecosystem will suffer damage.
Wildlife tourism is an essential piece of our economy. Jackson Hole is home to the most famous, celebrated grizzly family in the world — 399 and her cubs. The community should be a leader across the West in living alongside bears safely and respectfully.
Avoiding conflict keeps humans safe. In addition to protecting human lives, preventing conflict also prevents the vast majority of property damage that bears can cause.
What is the solution?
Studies have demonstrated that trash is the number one attractant that leads to conflicts with bears. These studies also reveal that bear-resistant trash cans significantly reduce the attractant, and thereby prevent conflicts.
Jackson Hole Bear Solutions seeks to empower all residents to access and utilize a bear-resistant trash can. Our program reduces barriers — including costs — and directly aids in the acquisition and distribution of bear-resistant trash cans.
Prior to the recent updates to County regulations, all designated “conflict areas” have been required to secure all bear attractants. On April 12th, 2022, the County Commissioners passed an ammended regulation requiring all county residents to do the same. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines.
A program run by Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, a 501 (c)(3) organization, Jackson Hole Bear Solutions was created to aid residents in complying with this requirement in a way that is easy and affordable.
The program — developed thanks to a generous donation — will use subsequent donations to purchase additional trash cans and assist residents in securing bear attractants.
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