2025 Bear Season is Here – A Message from Bear Wise Jackson Hole

2025 Bear Season is Here – A Message from Bear Wise Jackson Hole

by | Mar 27, 2025 | Press Release

Interagency Media Release

For Immediate Release

March 26, 2025

The 2025 bear season is here

We need your continued help to avoid human-bear conflicts 

JACKSON, WY — Bears across Teton County are becoming active with the spring transition. Adult male grizzly bears begin emerging from their winter dens in March, while females with young generally emerge between April and early May. March 19 marked the first confirmed grizzly bear sighting of the 2025 season in Grand Teton National Park. Bear Wise Jackson Hole reminds residents and visitors to secure attractants of any kind and be bear aware.

Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. However, living and recreating in bear country requires awareness and actions on our part to keep bears wild and people safe. As the grizzly bear population expanded within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, bears dispersed across their historical range but also in proximity to more populated areas. All of Teton County is now in occupied grizzly bear habitat.

2024 was a challenging year for the human-bear interface in Jackson Hole. Wyoming Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff responded to a minimum of 168 human-bear conflicts in Teton County and the Town of Jackson, which is twice the long-term average. Grand Teton National Park experienced a surge of incidents involving black bears, particularly around lakeshore areas, resulting in an above-average year of management actions. Similarly, the Bridger-Teton National Forest saw an increase in black bear activity around the Teton Pass trail system outside of Wilson. Wyoming Game and Fish Department and National Park Service staff lethally removed 9 bears in this corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem last year, in addition to conducting numerous relocations and intensive hazing operations. Unsecured garbage in residential areas and unattended backpacks in the park remain the overwhelming cause of these conflicts.

Bears can be attracted to anything associated with human or domestic animal foods, including coolers, cooking equipment, bird feeders, and pet dishes, when they are easily accessible. By properly storing these attractants, people can help to ensure that a bear does not obtain a food reward. Once a bear becomes conditioned to human foods, the bear is likely to exhibit increasingly bold behavior, which increases risks to the bear and humans and limits management options. Whether you have lived in Teton County for decades or are visiting for a day, please do your part to help prevent human-bear conflicts.

If you are a resident:

·       Please look around your property for any unsecured attractants.

·       Store all garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a secure building. Teton County requires IGBC-certified bear-resistant garbage containers in all unincorporated areas of the county. The Town of Jackson requires IGBC-certified garbage containers within designated zones.

·       If possible, keep garbage containers indoors until the morning of trash pickup.

·       Secure livestock feed, chicken coops, pet food, compost, and beehives. Electric fences are effective for securing many of these types of attractants. Contact Bear Wise Jackson Hole for assistance.

·       Hang birdfeeders in a way that makes them inaccessible to bears. See examples on the Bear Wise Jackson Hole website.

·       Help your neighbors create a bear-wise community to protect bears and other wildlife.

If you are visiting public lands, such as a national park or national forest:

·       Never leave your food unattended unless it is properly secured.

·       Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.

·       Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.

·       Do not eat or cook in your tent, and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.

·       Please respect all wildlife closure areas.

·       If you see a bear, give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. If you choose to watch the bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens to maintain an appropriate distance. Park in designated areas, and never block travel lanes. Follow the directions of staff in places where bears are sighted.

If you are exploring the backcountry:

·       Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing earbuds.

·       Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).

·       Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.

·       Hike in groups of three or more people.

·       Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.

As interagency partners, Bear Wise Jackson Hole will continue our collective efforts to proactively prevent conflicts between bears and people across Teton County. Together, as a community, we have made tremendous progress. Let’s keep up the great work. By properly securing attractants and taking appropriate precautions while living in or visiting bear country, we can keep bears wild and people safe. Learn more about how you can help protect bears by visiting our website: Bear Wise Jackson Hole. Interested in a bear presentation at your next HOA meeting or a bear spray demonstration for your organization? Bear Wise Jackson Hole would be happy to meet with your group. See our website for contact information.

Bear Wise Jackson Hole is a partnership between the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Teton County, and Town of Jackson. Established in 2006, our mission is to ‘keep bears wild and people safe’ by minimizing bears’ access to unnatural attractants and educating residents and visitors about human-bear conflict prevention.

For more information about bears and specific regulations, visit the following links:

·       Bear Wise Jackson Hole

·       Wyoming Game and Fish Department

·       Grand Teton National Park

·       Bridger-Teton National Forest

·       Teton County  

·       Town of Jackson

–END–

Wildlife on the Road – Springtime in Jackson

Wildlife on the Road – Springtime in Jackson

by | Mar 17, 2025 | Blog, Give Wildlife a Brake

As spring arrives, wildlife activity increases, posing challenges for safe coexistence on roadways.

Heightened Wildlife Movement

Increased Roadway Risks

Essential Safety Measures

Understanding Seasonal Changes

With the onset of spring, Jackson Hole becomes a hub of wildlife activity. Animals such as elk, deer, and moose embark on their traditional migration journeys, often intersecting with busy roadways. This natural phenomenon, while extraordinary to witness, brings about significant risks for both the animals and drivers. Increased vigilance and strategic measures are essential to ensure safety for all.

A Tragic Incident on N HWY 89

One incident illustrated the importance of strategically placed wildlife crossings to move wildlife safely across high traffic roadways. Recently, JHWF Board Member Kathryn Turner was traveling southbound on Highway 89 when she witnessed a near collision between a bull elk and a START bus. The elk, attempting to cross between the U.S. Fish Hatchery and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, barely avoided the bus’s path. The next morning, she discovered that bull elk, now deceased, in the same area.

“I saw what appeared to be the same bull elk lying dead near the road,” said Kathryn Turner. “Bloody tracks led to the edge of the Elk Refuge fence, but with a broken leg, the jump would have been impossible. If an overpass had been in place, this elk might have survived, and a costly, dangerous collision could have been avoided.”

The Ripple Effect of Collisions

Wildlife-vehicle collisions leave a trail of destruction, from vehicle debris to the tragic loss of human and animal life. The aftermath of such incidents can attract scavengers, increasing their risk of being hit. This cycle of danger highlights the critical need for effective wildlife crossings. By investing in overpasses and underpasses, we can safeguard migration routes, reduce vehicle damage, and enhance road safety.

Steps to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions requires a multi-faceted approach that involves both infrastructure improvements and driver awareness. By following these steps, we can significantly decrease the number of incidents and enhance safety for all.

1

Implement Wildlife Crossings

Constructing wildlife overpasses and underpasses is a proven method to facilitate safe animal crossings. These structures allow animals to follow their natural migration paths without encountering vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions.

2

Advocate for Traffic-Calming Measures

Rumble strips, narrow lanes, chicanes and other measures naturally slow drivers’ speeds and increase their attention to the road. Work with road designers to consider such measures where they are safe to install.

3

Promote Safe Driving Practices

Encouraging drivers to remain vigilant for animals on the road, especially during dawn and dusk, can prevent accidents. Drive the posted speed limit and decrease your speed when conditions reduce visibility.

Advocating for Wildlife Crossings

Join the Movement for Safer Wildlife Crossings

Help us make a difference in Jackson Hole by supporting wildlife crossing initiatives. These critical structures not only protect our cherished wildlife but also ensure safer roads for everyone. Your involvement can lead to fewer tragic incidents and preserve wildlife migration paths that are vital for our ecosystem. Together, we can create a safer environment for both animals and humans.

Our Moose Mission: The Importance of Moose Day

Our Moose Mission: The Importance of Moose Day

by | Jan 20, 2025 | Blog

Moose Day: Contributing to Moose Science

Every winter, moose in Jackson Hole face extreme challenges. They rely on shrubs like willows and aspen for food, but deep snow and cold temperatures make survival tough. Unlike deer or elk, moose don’t migrate long distances to escape snowpack. Instead, they use their long legs and specialized hooves to navigate deep snow and access food. However, energy conservation is crucial—any unnecessary movement could cost them valuable resources they need to survive the winter.

To better understand how moose are faring during this critical time, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) hosts its annual Moose Day. Volunteers from the community gather data to track moose locations, signs, and winter behavior. This data is part of Nature Mapping Jackson Hole, a program designed to give everyday people a role in local wildlife conservation.

Our Moose Mission: A Collaborative Effort

Moose Day is a collaborative effort between JHWF, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Grand Teton National Park, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Together, these organizations focus on collecting critical data about moose to monitor population trends and habitat use in Jackson Hole.

Certified citizen scientists and trained volunteers play a central role in Moose Day. Teams of two or three are assigned parcels to survey, often near private lands or developed areas where WGFD biologists face logistical challenges. Volunteers document moose sightings, tracks, scat, and browsing evidence. This collaborative approach allows for more comprehensive data collection, filling gaps that would be difficult for professional biologists to cover alone.

The data gathered during Moose Day is part of the Nature Mapping Jackson Hole program, which builds a long-term database of wildlife observations. By tracking moose and other species year-round, this community science initiative empowers local residents and visitors to contribute to conservation in a meaningful way. The data supports wildlife managers, researchers, and land-use planners in making informed decisions that protect wildlife and their habitats.

Moose Day is more than just data collection—it’s a rewarding experience that fosters a deeper connection to Jackson Hole’s wildlife and wild lands. It brings the community together for a shared purpose and highlights the importance of conserving the valley’s unique ecosystem.

Why Moose Day is Important

Moose populations in Jackson Hole have been declining due to habitat loss, warming winters, increased human activity, and disease. Winter is a particularly critical period to monitor because it’s when moose are most vulnerable. Deep snow can trap them in small areas, limiting their ability to find food and avoid predators. Meanwhile, access to key resources like willow flats or aspen groves becomes vital for survival.

The data collected during Moose Day helps:

  • Identify areas where moose are wintering successfully.
  • Track population trends over time.
  • Inform land management decisions to protect critical moose habitats.

By participating in Moose Day, volunteers play a direct role in wildlife conservation efforts, helping researchers and land managers better understand and address the challenges facing this iconic species.

Moose Day 2025:
Saturday February 22th

This year’s Moose Day is on Saturday, February 22nd, and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation invites anyone with an interest in wildlife to participate. Volunteers will be assigned specific areas to document moose sightings, tracks, scat, and signs of browsing. These observations provide critical data about where moose are active during winter and how they’re using their habitat.

To participate, volunteers must register for both Moose Day and a required training session on Sunday, February 11th. The training is designed to prepare participants to accurately identify moose signs and report their findings using the Nature Mapping program. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to contribute to wildlife conservation.

Join the Moose Day Effort

Moose Day is more than a volunteer opportunity—it’s a chance to contribute to meaningful wildlife science and connect with the natural world. By participating, you’ll help track the health and habits of one of Jackson Hole’s most iconic species while strengthening your connection to this special valley.

Sign Up for Moose Day 2025

JHWF’s Blogs

Help Keep Bears Wild and People Safe on Togwotee Pass

Help Keep Bears Wild and People Safe on Togwotee Pass

Apr 25, 2025 |

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The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

Mar 28, 2025 |

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Elk Migration and Movement in Jackson Hole: Protecting Wildlife and Drivers

Elk Migration and Movement in Jackson Hole: Protecting Wildlife and Drivers

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Blog, Give Wildlife a Brake, Nature Mapping Jackson Hole

Migrating Wildlife

do not look both ways before crossing the road

Thousands of elk migrate from the higher elevations of Grand Teton National Park and surrounding areas to lower valleys, seeking food and shelter each winter. This seasonal journey is essential for the survival of the elk herd, but it also brings them into direct conflict with human infrastructure—most notably, busy roads like North Highway 89.

The National Elk Refuge, established in 1912, provides critical winter habitat for the Jackson Elk Herd, which can number as many as 11,000 animals. However, as elk move toward the refuge, they frequently cross North Highway 89, a major route connecting Jackson to the park.

These crossings often occur at dawn and dusk, when visibility is limited, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions. This time of year, elk are on the road in larger numbers, and Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, with partners Wyoming Game and Fish and Teton County, has reported a rise in roadkill incidents along this corridor.

The Challenge on North Highway 89

North Highway 89 sees heavy traffic year-round, and during elk migration, it becomes a hazardous bottleneck for wildlife. Data collected by JHWF, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Wyoming Department of Transportation shows that wildlife-vehicle collisions are a significant cause of mortality for elk, moose, and deer in the region. For drivers, an unexpected collision with a 600-pound elk can cause severe damage, injuries, or fatalities. Human safety and wildlife preservation are intertwined, making solutions to this challenge a community priority.

Proposed Wildlife Crossings

Teton County, WY

To address the growing problem, Teton County, Wyoming has proposed wildlife crossings and funnel fence at high-risk areas in Teton County, including:

North Highway 89: 3 Crossings (1 Overpass, 2 Underpasses)

  • Wildlife Overpass: This structure allows animals to cross above the road on a vegetated bridge, mimicking their natural habitat. Overpasses are particularly effective for larger mammals like elk and pronghorn that prefer open spaces.
  • Wildlife Underpasses (2): These tunnels provide safe passage beneath the road, offering an effective solution for animals that prefer cover.
  • Funnel Fence: (4 miles) Guided by funnel fencing, the underpasses and overpasses encourage wildlife to avoid the roadway entirely, reducing collision risks.

Teton Pass: 1 Overpass, 3 Underpasses, and a Fish Passage

  • Wildlife Overpass: Similar to the North Highway 89 overpass, this structure will reconnect migration routes over the highway, reducing risks for both wildlife and drivers.
  • Wildlife Underpasses (3): These underpasses will provide multiple safe routes beneath the Teton Pass Highway for animals such as deer, moose, and smaller mammals.
  • Fish Passage: A specialized structure allowing aquatic species to move freely along their natural waterways without obstruction from road infrastructure. This supports fish populations and improves the overall health of the ecosystem.
  • Funnel Fence: (4 miles)  Guided by funnel fencing, the underpasses and overpasses encourage wildlife to avoid the roadway entirely, reducing collision risks.

Camp Creek: 3 Underpasses and 1 Overpass

  • Wildlife Overpass: As with the other overpasses, this vegetated bridge provides a natural, open pathway for wildlife like elk, facilitating their migration while keeping them off the road.
  • Wildlife Underpasses (3): These crossings will guide animals safely below the road, preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions and maintaining connectivity across the landscape.
  • Funnel Fence: (5.5 miles)  Guided by funnel fencing, the underpasses and overpasses encourage wildlife to avoid the roadway entirely, reducing collision risks.

Wildlife crossings, including overpasses and underpasses with funnel fences, are proven to reduce collisions and support healthy migration. A study of similar projects on US Highway 191 near Pinedale, Wyoming, found a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions after implementing overpasses and underpasses. This project, monitored by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and other agencies, highlights the effectiveness of combining crossings with fencing to guide wildlife safely above or below roadways. The Trappers Point crossing has become a national model for mitigating migration conflicts.

Scientists emphasize the importance of open migration corridors for ungulates. Fragmented or blocked movement routes can force wildlife into smaller, less suitable habitats, leading to stress, reduced herd sizes, malnutrition, and disrupted ecosystems. By building crossings, we reconnect critical wildlife movement routes and reduce risks for drivers.

A High-Profile Fatality

The recent wildlife-vehicle collision death of Grizzly Bear 399, one of the most well-known bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, highlights the devastating chain reaction caused by wildlife-vehicle collisions. Grizzly 399 and her cub were likely devouring an elk carcass in the Snake River Canyon that was very near to the section of the highway where she was killed. Roadkill draws predators like bears, wolves, and eagles to highways, dramatically increasing their risk of being struck by vehicles. Wildlife crossings can reduce these incidents by preventing collisions that leave carcasses on the roadside in the first place, breaking the cycle that endangers predators and scavengers.

While 399’s passing is a high-profile example of a wildlife-vehicle collision, the need for wildlife crossings extends far beyond any one species or one animal. Her death symbolizes the countless animals—ungulates, predators, birds, and smaller mammals—that lose their lives on roads each year.

Though 399 was internationally beloved and her story has drawn significant attention, she represents all wildlife navigating the dangers of high-traffic areas. We hope her legacy will inspire greater awareness and support for implementing wildlife-friendly crossing structures throughout Wyoming. These solutions have proven effective in reducing fatalities and reconnecting critical habitats, providing a safer future for all species that call this region home.

Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping: A Community Effort

The Give Wildlife a Brake program, led by JHWF, works to raise awareness and promote safer driving practices:

  • Drive mindfully and observe the speed limit in key wildlife zones like North Highway 89, Teton Pass, and Camp Creek.
  • Stay alert at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active.
  • Observe wildlife warning signs that identify known crossing areas.
  • Report collisions and roadkill to help scientists and officials prioritize safety improvements.

In addition, Nature Mapping Jackson Hole offers an easy way for community members to contribute to wildlife conservation. By becoming a certified Nature Mapper, participants can log wildlife and roadkill sightings using an app. The data collected is shared with Wyoming Game and Fish Department to better understand wildlife movements and identify problem areas. This citizen science initiative empowers residents to actively contribute to protecting the animals that define Jackson Hole.

Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping also work with local volunteers to monitor wildlife crossings, gather data, and educate residents and visitors about the importance of migration corridors.

Why It Matters

Elk are an iconic part of the Jackson Hole ecosystem. They support a balanced food chain and play a key role in the region’s cultural and ecological identity. Their winter migration has occurred for centuries, long before roads and cars appeared in the valley. Protecting this natural behavior while improving public safety requires collaboration, science, and community effort.

While this blog focuses on elk migration, the need for wildlife crossings applies to all species in the Jackson region, including mule deer. There is no doubt that wildlife-vehicle collisions pose a significant threat, ranking as the third leading cause of bird fatalities each year. Drivers should remain vigilant, as animals crossing the road are often accompanied by others, including offspring or members of a herd, making caution essential for reducing collisions.

Review the Wildlife Vehicle Collision Report to learn more about the scope of this issue and the need for wildlife crossings as a proven solution. Support efforts to fund and implement wildlife crossings and participate in programs like Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping Jackson Hole to make Jackson Hole safer for wildlife and people.

Give Wildlife a Brake
Nature Mapping
WVC Report

Grizzly 399’s Legacy: Protecting Wildlife on our Roads

Grizzly 399’s Legacy: Protecting Wildlife on our Roads

by | Nov 17, 2024 | Blog, Give Wildlife a Brake

Mourning a Legend

The Life and Legacy of Grizzly 399

On the evening of October 22, 2024, a routine commute through the Snake River Canyon turned tragic. Near milepost 126, a grizzly bear and her cub were feeding on an elk carcass when they attempted to cross the road. A commuter traveling at the legal speed limit of 55 mph swerved, narrowly missing the cub but tragically struck and killed the mother. This was no ordinary grizzly—it was 399, the most famous grizzly bear in the world.

The Road Ahead

A post-mortem analysis concluded that the collision was unavoidable. At highway speeds, drivers often have little chance of safely avoiding wildlife that appears suddenly. This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of programs like Give Wildlife a Brake, which aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions through driver awareness and infrastructure improvements.

Give Wildlife a Brake

A Community Commitment to Wildlife Safety

The Give Wildlife a Brake program is a cornerstone initiative of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF). Its mission is to protect wildlife and motorists by identifying high-risk areas and implementing strategies to reduce collisions and increase access to critical habitats. Through public education, advocacy for reduced speed limits, and the installation of wildlife crossings, the program seeks to make our roads safer for all.
In the wake of 399’s death, the urgency of this mission has never been clearer. While some collisions may be unavoidable, many can be prevented with collective effort and informed action. By slowing down, staying alert, and supporting infrastructure projects, we can significantly reduce the risks to wildlife and ourselves.

Mitigating Wildlife Collisions

Progress and Hope

One of the program’s recent successes is the completion of wildlife underpasses at the intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 390. This busy junction, a key route to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, has historically been one of the nation’s most dangerous for moose. Thanks to the Give Wildlife a Brake program and our partners, this mitigation now provides a safe passage for animals beneath the road. Observers have already reported seeing moose, deer, and other animals using these crossings, offering hope that collisions will decrease over time.

These infrastructure improvements are direct results of community advocacy and the dedicated work of JHWF volunteers who “nature map” collision hotspots to guide where these structures are most needed.

Each year, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation’s Executive Director, Renee Seidler, collaborates with Alyson Courtemanch of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Megan Smith of EcoConnect Consulting LLC to produce the Teton County, WY and Teton County, ID Wildlife-Vehicle Collision (WVC) Database Summary Report. This comprehensive report compiles crucial data on wildlife-vehicle collisions in the region, providing valuable insights that guide efforts to reduce these incidents and protect both wildlife and motorists. By analyzing trends and identifying high-risk areas, the report serves as a critical tool for conservation planning and community safety initiatives.

2023 Wildlife Vehicle Collision Report

WVC Hotspots – Moose

WVC Hotspots – Elk

WVC Hotspots –
Mule Deer

Learning from Loss

As we grapple with the loss of Grizzly 399, it’s important to celebrate her extraordinary life. First documented in 2003 when she ventured beyond Yellowstone National Park into the Tetons, she became a symbol of coexistence between humans and wildlife. Over her 28 years, she gave birth to 18 cubs, including the famed foursome of 2020.

Her survival and success were a testament to her intelligence and to the efforts of a community committed to protecting wildlife. Through programs like Give Wildlife a Brake, her life was extended, allowing countless people from around the world to experience the wonder of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild.

A Call to Action

The loss of Grizzly 399 is a profound reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife preservation. Through the Give Wildlife a Brake program, we have the tools and the opportunity to make meaningful changes that protect both animals and people.

Join us in creating a safer future for wildlife and our community. Discover how you can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make a lasting impact. Together, let’s give wildlife a brake and protect what matters most.

Learn more about Give Wildlife a Brake
Donate to support JHWF programming

Written in collaboration with Bruce Pasfield, Board Emeritus, JHWF