Bear Wise JH
JHWF is a Partner to Keep Bears Wild and Our Community Safe
About Bear Wise Jackson Hole
Bear Wise Jackson Hole is a community initiative to reduce human-bear conflicts and promote safe coexistence. JHWF partners with governmental agencies and other nonprofits to educate residents, support bear-resistant infrastructure, and encourage responsible practices that keep bears wild and people safe. Together, these partners work across public and private lands to create a more bear-aware community.
Bear Wise Partners
Working Together to Stay Safe in Bear Country
Reducing Human-Bear Conflicts in Teton County
As grizzly populations expand and their presence in Jackson’s residential areas increases, the landscape of bear management is shifting—what was once primarily a black bear concern now includes more frequent grizzly encounters.
With these changes, preventing conflicts before they begin is increasingly important. Keep all human food sources out of reach, and report any bear-related incidents right away so wildlife managers can respond early and help steer bear behavior in a safer direction.
Bear Wise Tips for Residents & Visitors
Bear-Resistant Containers
Always store garbage and outdoor petfood or birdseed in a bear-resistant container.
Bear Wise Birdfeeders
Hang your birdfeeders so that they are inaccessible to bears. See how >
Secure Beehives
Beehives are bear attractants. Make sure your beehives are enclosed to deter bears from stealing honey.
Give Bears Space
Remain at least 100 yards away from wild bears. They might not look agile but a charging grizzly can run up to 35 – 40 mph.
Report Bear Conflicts
Report bear conflicts (not sightings) to Wyoming Fish & Game at 307.733.2321.
On the Trails & at Home
- Keep garbage containers inside a secure building until the morning of pickup.
- Store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, indoors; the sweet smells attract bears.
- Store especially smelly garbage, such as meat or fish scraps, in a freezer until it can be taken to a refuse site.
- Do not leave food from barbeques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight; coolers are not bear-proof.
- Replace hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets which are also attractive to hummingbirds.
- Pick fruit from trees as soon as its ripe and collect fallen fruit immediately.
- Do not put out feed for wildlife (corn, oats, pellets, three-way, nor molasses blocks). It is harmful to wildlife and prohibited by a Teton County Ordinance.
- Keep a clean camp, when camping. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, and pet food, inside a bear box or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
- Travel in groups of four or more (when possible) in the backcountry. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation
Tax ID # 83-0302830
Office Location:
25 S. Willow St., Suite 10
Jackson, WY 83001
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8042
Jackson, WY 83002
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