CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper Region of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is inviting the public to attend a free workshop titled “Living in Large Carnivore Country.” The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Casper Regional Office, 3030 Energy Lane.

Anyone who lives, works, or recreates in bear or mountain lion country is encouraged to attend. The workshop will provide practical information on how to avoid attracting large carnivores to your property, safely navigate around them while recreating, and reduce conflicts.

Dan Thompson, Game and Fish large carnivore section supervisor for Game and Fish, will lead the presentation with local wildlife officials in attendance to provide information on how you can reduce your potential for conflicts with bears and mountain lions. Game and Fish will share expertise, discuss large carnivore behavior and tips for living, working and recreating in areas with large carnivores.

Presentations by wildlife professionals will cover several essential topics, including:

• Understanding bear and mountain lion behavior.
• The importance of attractant management around homes and campsites, including the proper storage of food, garbage and other scents.
• What to do during an encounter with a large carnivore.
• The proper use of bear spray.
• Current bear activity, both black bear and grizzly bear, and what to expect this year.
• Questions and answers.

With more people living in and enjoying Wyoming's outdoors, Game and Fish aims to equip the public with the knowledge necessary to better understand large carnivores and what they can do to reduce the potential for conflicts with them. Experts will also be available to answer questions following the presentation.

For more information on the “Living in Large Carnivore Country” workshop, contact the Casper Regional Office at (307) 473-3400. To learn more about bear safety and conflict prevention, visit the Bear Wise Wyoming page on the Game and Fish website.