The Wind River Range in Wyoming is home to grizzly bears. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem and successful regional conservation efforts. Visitors should be aware of these large carnivores.
Grizzly Bear Presence and Range Expansion
Grizzly bears have expanded their territory into the Wind River Range, primarily from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). This expansion reflects the recovery of the broader GYE grizzly population, not direct reintroduction. In 2023, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) estimated over 1,000 grizzlies in Wyoming, indicating population growth. Their return to areas where they were historically absent signifies a successful conservation story.
Wind River Range Habitat and Ecology
The Wind River Range offers diverse terrain, including high-alpine areas, forests, and river valleys, providing suitable grizzly bear habitat. Grizzlies are omnivores, consuming various plant and animal matter seasonally. In spring, they forage in lower elevations for grasses and insects. As summer progresses, they move to higher elevations, seeking cooler temperatures and more nutritious food.
A notable food source is army cutworm moths, which aggregate in high-alpine talus slopes during summer. These moths are fat-rich, providing significant caloric intake; some bears consume up to 40,000 daily. In fall, bears eat nearly nonstop to build fat reserves for hibernation, often seeking berry patches. Grizzlies also consume ungulates, as carrion or by preying on fawns and calves, and may dig for pocket gopher caches.
Staying Safe in Grizzly Country
Visitors to the Wind River Range should adopt specific safety precautions. Carrying EPA-registered bear spray and knowing how to use it is a primary recommendation, as it can deter a charging bear. Traveling in groups and making noise while hiking can help prevent surprise encounters, which often cause defensive reactions. Recognize bear signs like tracks or scat and be particularly alert in areas with dense vegetation or near attractants like berry bushes.
Proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting bears to campsites. This includes using bear-resistant canisters or hanging food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from tree trunks. Never store food, trash, or scented items in tents.
If a bear encounter occurs, remaining calm is important; do not run, as this might trigger a chase response. For a defensive bear protecting cubs or a food source, standing your ground, talking calmly, and deploying bear spray if charged. If physical contact is made during a defensive attack, playing dead by lying on your stomach and protecting your neck. In the rare event of a predatory attack, fighting back aggressively is the recommended response.
Conservation and Coexistence Efforts
Conservation and coexistence efforts in the Wind River Range involve various agencies managing grizzly bear populations and minimizing human-bear conflicts. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and other entities, monitors the grizzly population and implements conflict management strategies. These efforts include relocating bears that pose a risk and providing public education on how to behave responsibly in bear country. Public cooperation plays a significant role in ensuring the long-term survival of grizzlies in this area. Adhering to food storage regulations and reporting bear sightings helps wildlife officials manage the population effectively. The goal of these programs is to foster safe coexistence between humans and bears, supporting the continued presence of grizzlies in the Wind River Range.