Do your part
Not only is securing all bear attractants a requirement in Teton County via the County’s Land Development Regulations — a violation of which could incur hefty fines — but it is also the simplest and most effective way to prevent conflict with bears. In addition to preventing unnecessary bear deaths, conflict prevention keeps our communities and properties safer.
In Jackson, wildlife has always been an essential piece of our community’s character. We treasure the opportunities to view and appreciate wildlife in our everyday lives, but that unique benefit carries a responsibility. We must do everything within our power to protect and live in peaceful unison with our wild neighbors.
Wildlife immeasurably contributes to our quality of life in Teton County, and it also brings millions of dollars to the regional economy. It’s a resource that we simply can’t afford to lose.
A choice as simple as using a bear-resistant trash can will make a substantial difference.
Are you willing to do your part for our bears?
Bear-Resistant Trash Cans
Household trash is the leading wildlife attractant and cause of human-bear conflicts.
By simply swapping out your trash cans for bear-resistant containers, neighborhoods can avoid attracting bears to the area. This saves bears’ lives, protects community members and domesticated animals, and prevents property damage from bears’ attempts to access human food sources.
Click here to request your bear-resistant trash container.
Livestock/Pet Food
All livestock and/or pet food stored outdoors needs to be secured. See this list of IGBC-approved bear-resistant products to find an appropriate container to store livestock feed if it cannot be kept in a secure, indoor structure.
To receive a subsidized bear-resistant container to store your feed in please contact us.
Electric Fencing
Apiaries, chicken coops, and outdoor compost piles (including plastic compost tumblers), need to be secured to prevent bears from accessing them.
For information and assistance obtaining and installing electric fencing please contact us.
Fruit Trees
Bears will seek out fallen fruit from trees, such as decorative crabapple trees popular in town.
Farmstead Cider was founded to prevent wildlife deaths by harvesting apples falling off of the many decorative trees around Jackson and crafting them into artisanal hard cider. You can help to avoid luring bears onto your property by signing up here and identifying fruit trees in your neighborhood. With permission from landowners, Farmstead will harvest apples and document the approximate locations of these trees in their innovative mapping database.
Photo Credit: Bear Smart Durango
TIPS TO KEEP A BEAR SAFE PROPERTY
Use electric fencing around beehives, chicken coops, and compost piles
Remove bird feeders or hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree or pole – this includes hummingbird feeders
Use a bear-resistant trash can
Don’t overfill your trash can, if it doesn’t fit, save it until next week or haul it to the transfer station
Feed pets inside – store pet food inside
Store livestock grain inside or in a bear-resistant container
Pick fruit from fruit trees and shrubs or sign up to have Farmstead Cider come to harvest your fruit trees for free
Store BBQ grills inside or clean well after use
Remove all salt and mineral blocks from your property
SLOW DOWN when driving! 45mph at night and be alert for reflections of eyes on the side of the road