Bear sightings in campgrounds near Kemmerer
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
July 30, 2012
The Kemmerer Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is cautioning visitors to the area to be aware that bears are frequenting the area.
There have been multiple reports of recent bear activity. Specifically, bears have been sighted in the Carl Creek and Ham’s Fork campground. Camping and day use within this area is not prohibited at this time but visitors should be alert for, and report any bear activity to the Kemmerer Ranger Station at 307-828-5100.
The Bridger-Teton currently has a food storage order covering portions of the Forest which requires that all food and other attractants be properly stored or hung so that they are not available to bears. Attractants such as food leftovers or bacon grease should not be buried, discarded, or burned in an open campfire. These items should be placed in an appropriate sealed container and packed out with garbage. Human, pet and livestock food, garbage, and other attractants must be stored in an approved bear resistant manner. Other attractants include anything with an odor such as BBQ grills, drinks, toothpaste, scented candles, soap, and lotion or sun screen.
Approved bear resistant storage includes:
• A hard-sided camper or vehicle trunk or cab. A cooler left outside is not secure!
• A hard-sided dwelling or storage building
• Suspended at least 10 feet up (from bottom of the suspended item) and 4 feet out from any upright support such as tree or pole
• An approved bear resistant container (bear resistant canisters and panniers are available for use at the Kemmerer Ranger Station)
Visitors are encouraged to be alert when recreating in bear country. Be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups and carry bear spray. For more information contact the Kemmerer Ranger Station at 307-828-5100.
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