The Wyoming Game and Fish are alerting the public due to higher than normal temperatures, some of the Cowboy State’s bears may be waking from hibernation early this year.
Game and Fish Public Information Specialist Christina Schmidt has alerted Sheridan Media the department has received word of a small number of bear sightings. Schmidt said these bears likely hibernated in lower elevations over the warm winter season and now have come out of hibernation and will be looking for easy to access food sources.
The bears’ spring emergence usually begins in late March and can happen as late as May. With much higher temperatures this year it is likely residents may see males and females without cubs already emerging, females with cubs will emerge later in the season.
These early sightings serve as a reminder for outdoor recreationalists and homeowners in bear-inhabited areas of Wyoming to brush up on bear safety before the bears become a concern.
Schmidt recommends keeping garbage, livestock and pet feed and birdseed properly stored in a hard-sided building and unavailable to bears. Barbeque grills should be kept clean and stored in a garage or shed when possible. This limits attractants that can draw them to areas where people live or camp.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has recommendations for residents living in bear county and urges those people to begin preparations sooner rather than later. Find those tips and recommendations by visiting the Game and Fish Bear Wise webpage. Click here.
Schmidt reminds the public that if any conflicts with bears occur in the coming weeks, please report those as quickly as possible to department personnel so they can respond and evaluate the situation.
The Sheridan Regional Office & Visitor Center is located at 700 Valley View Dr. in Sheridan. Contact them by phone at 307-672-7418.
