The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently took proactive action by relocating two sub-adult male grizzly bears outside of suitable habitat in an effort to reduce potential conflicts between them and humans. It was done in accordance with state and federal regulations to ensure the safety of both the grizzlies and the humans living nearby, and provides an important management tool for large carnivore biologists which is used to minimize the likelihood of these conflicts occurring. Relocation efforts are done only with detailed consideration of the age, sex, and conflict type as well as other elements such as human traffic and habitat suitability. As key leaders in bear management, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department strives to provide a continued home to both grizzly bears and people alike.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, proudly captured and relocated two subadult male grizzly bears on June 28th. This was done as a proactive measure to reduce conflict potential between the bears and humans, as the bears were localized outside of suitable habitat in Park County near Heart Mountain. The relocation was a success, with the bears being moved to the Boone Creek drainage approximately 28 miles northwest of Moran near the Wyoming-Idaho border, and just south of the Yellowstone National Park border. All actions taken were done so in accordance with state and federal law and regulation, and the public is kept informed of any grizzly bear relocations.
Grizzly Bear Capture and Relocation
Grizzly bear relocation is an important management tool utilized by large carnivore biologists to minimize conflicts between humans and grizzly bears, particularly in the expanding population of Wyoming. Capture is only used when other deterrents or preventative options are exhausted or unattainable. When deciding if the individual should be relocated, all circumstances are taken into account, including the age, sex and type of conflict the bear was involved in as well as potential human activity nearby. If relocation is deemed necessary, the site is carefully chosen depending on these factors. Moreover, the grizzly bear is always relocated safely within the recovery zone or adjacent areas.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is proud to be a leader in bear management, always taking steps to ensure the continued survival of both grizzly bears and humans.
Managing Attractants to Minimize Human-Bear Conflicts
The public plays a key role in bear management and Game and Fish stresses the importance of making sure that all attractants, such as food, garbage, and bird seed are unavailable to bears. When these attractants are not present, human-bear conflicts can be minimized and in some cases, relocations avoided altogether.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s efforts in grizzly bear relocation are both commendable and necessary for the successful conservation of a species so closely connected to our state. Through collaboration with the USFWS and constant communication, this effort takes into account multiple elements in order to manage the population effectively and reduce human-grizzly conflict with humane methods. This kind of joint management can serve as a model for other regions where large carnivore populations coexist with humans. The careful decision making process regarding capture and release is evidence of that. Together, wildlife biologists, governmental agencies, and citizens can all contribute to reducing the human-footprint on the grizzlies’ already danger zone, and allow them improved growth through wise and necessary relocation practices.
