Biologists with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department captured grizzly bears earlier this spring in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) for monitoring as part of the agency’s management program. Captures will continue through early autumn, according to the Department. All areas where captures are being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs, as well as area closure signs in the direct vicinity of capture sites. The public is strongly urged to heed these signs and warnings and closures. After the bears are released, they will be monitored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.

Annual monitoring is vital to the ongoing management and conservation of grizzly bears in Wyoming. Data obtained from captures and monitoring helps biologists assess the status and health of bears in the GYE. It also provides insight into population dynamics, which are critical to demonstrate the continued recovery and conservation of grizzly bears.

The Game and Fish Department’s management program is rooted in education, outreach and working with the public to reduce the potential for conflict between grizzly bears and people.