Game and Fish to host “Living in Large Carnivore Country” workshop in Alpine, WY

JACKSON-The Wyoming Game and Fish Department values your safety and strongly encourages your participation in a free public workshop titled “Living in Large Carnivore Country.” This workshop, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, at the Alpine Civic Center at 121 US-89, Alpine, WY 83128, is an important step in our collective efforts to ensure your safety in bear and lion country. 

Game and Fish encourages residents, outdoor enthusiasts, workers, and livestock grazers who live, recreate, work, or graze livestock in bear and lion country to attend. “We thought this workshop would be a great chance to refresh the public on bear safety and the resources available to them such as our on-call conflict response personnel,”  said Mark Aughton, Bear-Wise large carnivore biologist from Cody, Wyoming. 

The workshop will focus on safety and preventative measures to reduce conflicts related to grizzly bears around the home and while recreating. It will also include information on mountain lions and black bears, providing a comprehensive understanding of the wildlife in our area and how to coexist safely. 

There will be an engaging presentation on topics such as bear and mountain lion food habits, where one would expect to encounter a bear or mountain lion, food storage recommendations, understanding bear and lion behavior, what to do in an encounter and the proper use of bear spray. “This is a great opportunity for people to actively participate, ask questions and learn about the wildlife right out our back door,” adds Aughton.

As part of the workshop, participants will receive hands-on training on the correct use of bear spray. This practical session, using inert practice cans of bear spray on our mechanical charging "Robobear," provided by Safari Club International Foundation, will equip you with essential skills for your safety in bear and lion country. The workshop is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a curious beginner, this workshop is for you.

For more information, please contact Mark Aughton at mark.aughton@wyo.gov or call the Cody Regional Game and Fish office at 307-527-7125.