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GILLETTE, Wyo. — Spring is here, and bears are emerging from their winter dens, prompting an annual advisory on how to avoid conflicts with the largest predators in the state from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 

Wyoming is home to black bears and grizzly bears. While grizzly bears are primarily found in the northwestern portion of the state, black bears are found throughout forested areas and periphery riparian habitats statewide, per Game and Fish. 

“Taking a few simple precautions can help anyone avoid a potentially dangerous encounter with a black or grizzly bear,” Brian DeBolt, large carnivore conflict coordinator, said in a statement. “We want people to stay diligent to avoid any potential bear conflicts.” 

The department’s program “Bear Wise Wyoming” is a resource offered to recreationists, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who lives in bear country. It provides education on how to avoid conflicts with bears and utilize effective deterrence measures when necessary, according to Game and Fish. 

Some avoidance starts at home for residents who live in black or grizzly bear country; for them, Game and Fish encourages limiting attractants to keep from drawing bears into areas where people live or camp. Garbage, barbecue grills and livestock and other pet feed should be stored and unavailable to bears. 

“The majority of people do an excellent job of securing attractants away from bears,” DeBolt said. “Usually, folks simply forget, so we want to remind them how important it is to always make sure everything is stored unavailable to bears all the time.”

When recreating in bear country, visitors should be aware of the potential for bear encounters, per Game and Fish. It is important to carry a defense, avoid surprise encounters and be alert for bear activity. 

Game and Fish says hikers should be in a group and make noise as they travel so bears can hear them. Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use by knowing how to identify tracks, scat and diggings. Avoid areas with carcasses or scavenging birds as bears may stay near a carcass to defend it. 

Though the department strives to minimize conflicts between people and large carnivores, encounters do happen. Bear spray can be an effective deterrent if confronted by a bear, and the public needs to notify Game and Fish if any conflicts arise as soon as possible. 

“In most conflict situations, bears do not interact with people. Rather, they obtain unsecured human foods, livestock, or pet foods, garbage or birdseed,” DeBolt said. “We greatly appreciate the public’s communication with Game and Fish to swiftly work to resolve conflicts.”

According to DeBolt, the sooner the department is notified of a conflict, the quicker it can take action to deter ongoing conflicts. 

For more information on the Bear Wise Wyoming program, please visit the .