Reports of Bears in Residential Areas 

With the arrival of the Spring season and after months of hibernating in their den, waking bears are hungry and looking for opportunities to feed. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Information Specialist Christina Schmidt informed listeners that living with and having to take precautions for bears is a part of life in Sheridan and Johnson counties. 

This season Game and Fish have received reports of some conflicts with bears in urban areas – particularly near Story and Big Horn. Bears are classified as omnivores, consuming a varied, opportunistic diet of both plants and animals. This includes seeds, roots and nuts that are often left out for birds and squirrels. 

C. Schmidt

Schmidt asks that any resident who sees a bear near a residential area please report the incident to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department immediately. The more time the department has to respond to the bear’s presence means less time for the bear to become accustomed to food rewards and allows for more management options. 

Notify the regional office during regular business hours or the Stop Poaching Hotline 24 hours a day at 877-WGFD-TIP.