LANDER - Bear spray giveaways and training events will be taking place throughout northwest Wyoming in late August and early September. The events will help raise awareness and provide important information about safety while recreating in bear country.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has partnered with Safari Club International Foundation, Defend Outdoors, American Bear Foundation and Shoshone National Forest to provide free bear spray and training to members of the public, with bear spray purchased by Safari Club International Foundation and inert training spray provided by Defend Outdoors.
“These partnership events are a great opportunity for the public to gain experience and become proficient in using bear spray, while also promoting safety as many gear up for the fall recreation and hunting season,” said Mark Aughton, Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator. “We hope to increase awareness and encourage those enjoying activities in bear country to be well prepared.”
Training events will take place at the following locations:
Date | Start time | Location |
Aug. 30 | 2 p.m. | Game and Fish Lander Regional Office, 260 Buena Vista Drive, Lander |
Sep. 5 | 10 a.m. | National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, 532 N Cache St, Jackson |
Sept. 6 | 2 p.m. | Game and Fish Pinedale Regional Office, 432 Mill St, Pinedale |
Sept. 13 | 2 p.m. | Game and Fish Cody Regional Office, 2 Tilden Trail, Cody |
Quantities are limited to 100 cans of bear spray at each event and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will also receive training on how to use bear spray with “robo bear,” a remote-controlled mock charging bear that will simulate a sudden encounter situation. Both Game and Fish and USDA Forest Service biologists will be on site to discuss bear ecology and conservation, and promote Bear Wise Wyoming guidelines.
For more information, contact Mark Aughton at 307-527-7125. For information on Game and Fish programs, resources and other materials, please visit the Game and Fish website.