Grizzly Bear Research Trapping Begins in GTNP Public Advised to Heed Posted Warning Signs

Date: June 2, 2011
Contact: Jackie Skaggs, 307.739.3393

June 2, 2011

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Wildlife biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin trapping operations in Grand Teton National Park to capture grizzly bears and gather data for research purposes. These operations will begin June 8th and continue through the end of July. To alert the public of these trapping operations, warning signs will be posted at major access points where capture activities are underway. It is critical that all members of the public heed the warning signs and remain well away from the posted areas.

Trapping operations are a part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to recovery of grizzlies across the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

To attract bears, biologists utilize natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential trapping sites are baited with these natural foods, and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps will be used to capture the bears. Once trapped, the bears are sedated and studied in accordance with strict protocols developed by the IGBST.

Whenever bear trapping activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be closed to public entry and posted with bright warning signs. These signs are posted along the major access points to the trapping site. It is important that the public comply with the closure signs and not venture into an area that has been posted.

For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping, call IGBST at 406.994.6675 or Grand Teton National Park at 307.739.3393.