Research Trapping of Grizzly Bears Extended to July 12

Date: July 2, 2015
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will extend their research trapping operations for grizzly bears within Grand Teton National Park through July 12, 2015. Scientific research and trapping operations at Grand Teton have been underway since May 6, as part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to collect data and monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).

Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution, as well as their food selection and other activities, is vital to recovery of grizzlies across the GYE. Trained professionals with the IGBST trap grizzly bears at remote sites across Grand Teton. The trapping and handling of grizzly bears is done in accordance with strict protocols developed by the IGBST.

Trap sites are not be located near established hiking trails or backcountry campsites, and all sites are posted with bright-colored warning signs around the closure perimeter. Potential access points are also posted with warning signs. Any backcountry users who venture upon such posted areas must obey the warnings and stay out of the closure area.

It is critical that all members of the public respect these warning signs.

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team was established in 1973 to research and monitor bears across the GYE in a collaborative effort between federal land managers and state wildlife agencies. Gathering of critical data on these protected bears is part of a long-term research effort to help wildlife managers devise and implement programs to support the ongoing recovery of the GYE's grizzly bear population.

The IGBST is composed of representatives of the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal Fish and Game Department, and the states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping, call IGBST at 406.994.6675.