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
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.