Face a Charging Bear Safely at This Cody Event
Grizzly bears are starting to emerge from their dens, and we’re awaiting the announcement of the first grizzly sighting of the year from Yellowstone. Reports have come in from the Meeteetse area of bear sightings since late February and early March. Last week, Grand Teton National Park saw the first confirmed grizzly bear sighting on March 19.
According to phenology notes, the first sighting in Yellowstone often occurs between March 7 and 15 in Yellowstone. In recent years, February 27 is the earliest a grizzly bear has been spotted in the park. That was in 2014. Boars usually emerge from their dens first with the sows without cubs next, and finally, sows with cubs coming out between April and mid-May.
Bear Spray Giveaways Event Coming to Cody
A bear spray giveaway and training event will happen in Cody on Saturday, April 5 at 10:00 am. The event will be held at the Game and Fish Cody Regional Office at 2 Tilden Trail. Quantities are limited to 100 cans of bear spray at each event. They’ll be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Participants will also receive training on how to use bear spray. Then they can practice with “robo bear,” a remote-controlled mock charging bear that simulates a sudden encounter situation. Both Game and Fish and USDA Forest Service biologists will be on site to discuss bear ecology and conservation, and promote Bear Wise Wyoming guidelines.
Since 2020, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has partnered with the Safari Club International Foundation, American Bear Foundation, and Shoshone National Forest to distribute bear spray and provide training to members of the public at no cost.
“These partnership events provide a great opportunity for people to practice and become proficient with bear spray and to promote safety as many folks prepare for the spring recreation and shed hunting season,” said Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator Mark Aughton. “We hope this effort continues to raise awareness and remind those recreating in bear country to be prepared.”
The event helps raise awareness, and provide important information about safety while recreating in bear country as spring months approach.
Article by Janet Jones
Owner of Cody Journal and SnowMoon Photography
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.