Bear activity and reported conflicts remain high in the Sheridan Region. Personnel are responding to multiple bear calls each week involving bears accessing garbage, bird feeders, livestock feed and more. 

“Unfortunately, many reports we have received are from people who have allowed bears to get food from their garbage or other attractants for several days before they call us,” said Sheridan District Wildlife Biologist Eric Maichak. “At that point, the bear has begun associating being near residences with a secure source of food. If you have a bear conflict, secure any attractants around your home immediately and report it as quickly as possible to the regional office.” 

Commonly reported conflict areas include Story, Big Horn, Dayton, the outskirts of Buffalo and Sheridan, but residents throughout northeast Wyoming should secure attractants now through November. Bears are entering hyperphagia, the time of year when they begin increasing their food intake to put on weight in preparation for entering dens. Combined with this year’s drought conditions and reduction in natural foods, bears are traveling widely and seeking food, water or other resources in areas where they may not have been active in previous years.

There are several actions the public can take to help bears in the coming weeks 

• Bears getting into garbage is the top reported conflict in the Sheridan Region this year. Do not put garbage out until the day of scheduled pickup. Keep it inside a garage or other hard-sided building. 

• Take down bird feeders and do not put them back up until December. Suet, bird seed and nuts and even hummingbird nectar are easy, calorie-rich foods for bears. 

• Secure domestic livestock such as chickens, goats and pigs inside an enclosed barn or shed at night or construct electric fence around their pens. 

• Store livestock food and supplements in a hard-sided building. 
  
   
• Thoroughly clean barbeque grills of food bits and grease or keep in a hard-sided building until use. 

• Visit with neighbors about securing their attractants as well. 
  
   
• Call Game and Fish immediately to report bear conflicts. Early reporting allows wildlife managers more management options, such as hazing or relocation. 

In addition, hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationists should be vigilant while recreating this fall and practice bear safety protocol to help prevent potential conflicts.