Second bear captured on Casper Mountain

Monday, June 9, 2008 3:23 PM MDT

Game and Fish Department personnel trapped a second bear on Casper Mountain in less than a month, and wildlife managers are urging mountain residents to become “bear aware” and learn to avoid attracting bears to their property.

The bear, a 3- to 4-year-old cinnamon colored black bear, was trapped the night of June 7 and taken south of Glenrock and released. The bear was attracted to the Casper Mountain neighborhood by large quantities of trash left outside a residence.

On May 14, a black bear was trapped on Casper Mountain after damaging a home and a vehicle in a neighborhood where residents were feeding wildlife. That bear was also released. Trash and intentional wildlife feeding are two of the biggest reasons bears seek out food near humans.

“Leaving trash out in bear country is the same as feeding bears,” said Robin Kepple, information specialist for the Game and Fish Department. “Residents on Casper Mountain do indeed live in bear country and should take precautions to avoid attracting bears to their property.”

Ultimately, it is the bear that loses, according to the Game & Fish, “because a fed bear is a dead bear.”

“We’ve been lucky so far; no people have been hurt and we haven’t had to kill a bear,” Kepple said. “But it’s only June and we have several months until bears go into their dens again for winter. People who live in bear country need to practice bear safety tips throughout bear season. A few simple steps can prevent conflicts with these animals and can also save the life of a bear.”

Practicing the following steps can help reduce the chance of a bear conflict:

• Minimize odors and the availability of food rewards through out your yard and neighborhood.
  
  
• Remove any dense brush that could provide cover for a bear and make a surprise encounter likely.
  
  
• Put out garbage on the day of pick up, not the night before. Store in a sturdy building or place in an approved bear-resistant trash receptacle. Game and Fish can provide information on where to purchase bear-proof trash receptacles.
  
  
• Do not leave pet food outside. Hang bird feeders out of a bear’s reach and take down at night and during periods of high bear activity.
  
  
• Keep barbecue grills clean and grease free. Store with livestock/pet feed and other attractants inside a sturdy building.
  
  
• Pick all ripe fruit from fruit trees and surrounding ground.
  
  
• Compost piles may attract bears. Do not put meat, fish and other pungent scraps in compost piles. Add lime to reduce odors and accelerate decomposition.
  
  
• Electric fences are an effective way to keep bears out of orchards, gardens, compost piles and beehives. Follow appropriate safety precautions.
  
  
• Never feed wildlife. Nearly any food source can attract bears.
  
  
• All wildlife can be dangerous. Do not attempt to chase or harass bears out of your yard. Contact the Game and Fish Department for assistance.
  
  

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