Food Storage Order extended for human and bear safety
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
December 4, 2018
JACKSON, WYOMING, December 4, 2018 – The food storage order has been temporarily expanded on the Bridger Teton National Forest in order to promote a safer environment for humans and bears. Forest visitors in the Blackrock, and Jackson Ranger Districts will see a wider regulatory boundary where the proper storing, processing, transporting, and camping with food or attractants, will be enforced. The order will be in effect from December 1, 2018 until January 15, 2019.
Extending the food order plays a key role in helping to alleviate possible negative interactions between humans and bears. It helps keep Forest visitor safe by mitigating encounters where a bear might be attracted to campgrounds, trailheads, picnic sites, and other areas frequented by people.
All food and other attractants (anything with an odor) that might invite the curiosity of bear to an area must be stored safely; making sure it is kept away from the reach of a bear during the night and daytime when the area is left unattended. Attended attractants means that a person is physically present within 100-feet and in direct sight of the food or carcass.
Human food (including canned food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages), harvested game animals and parts, pet food, processed livestock feed and grains and personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorants must be stored in a manner unavailable to bears. This also includes garbage and empty food and beverage containers. Proper storage methods include placing food and other items in bear resistant containers or hard-sided vehicles or suspending them at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from any vertical support.
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