The U.S. Geological Survey is going on a bear hunt.
As part of their ongoing protection under the Endangered Species Act, the USGS and National Park Service will be working in conjunction with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team to undertake a number of pre-baiting and scientific capture operations within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park to capture the park’s resident grizzlies. Capture sites will be baited with bear’s natural foods – such as road-killed elk and deer. Irresistible for a marauding grizzly. Once they find the food, culvert traps and foot snares will be used to subdue the bears before testing and scientific data collection begins. The bears will undoubtedly be surprised by also be treated with the utmost care. The work in the park begins on June 27th and will continue to August 28th.
With the abundance of hungry bears who may be wandering into these research areas, it behooves the public to be extra bear-aware as they traverse through the park. In this case, it won’t be difficult to avoid an encounter. Bright warning signs will be clearly posted around the entire research area, including all major access points to the capture sites. In the event you see one of these signs, it’s a sign not to enter that particular area. Similar signs and research areas may be encountered in other areas around Yellowstone, such as Shoshone National Forest. It is critical that these signs be noticed and heeded or the safety of yourself, the researchers, and the bears.
For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts, call the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available on their website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
