Grizzly Bear Relocated After Cattle Depredation in Park County

Wyoming Game and Fish has relocated an adult male grizzly bear after it was captured following cattle depredation on private land in Park County.

The bear was captured April 25 after state wildlife officials, working in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, responded to livestock losses attributed to the animal. In coordination with federal partners and the Shoshone National Forest, the grizzly was moved to the Wiggins Fork drainage, roughly 19 miles north of Dubois.

According to Wyoming Game and Fish, relocation is one of several wildlife management tools used to reduce conflicts between people, livestock, and grizzly bears while giving the animal an opportunity to remain in the ecosystem.

Why Wildlife Officials Relocate Grizzlies

Relocation is generally used when a bear has been involved in conflicts such as livestock depredation, but is not considered an immediate threat to human safety. Bears deemed dangerous to people are typically not relocated.

Before relocation occurs, biologists assess multiple factors including:

• The bear’s age and sex
• The nature of the conflict
• Availability of suitable habitat
• Nearby human activity
• Potential for future conflicts

Wyoming Game and Fish emphasized that relocation only occurs after other deterrence or preventative measures have been exhausted or are not feasible.

Limited to Recovery Zones

Under state and federal regulations, relocated grizzly bears are moved only into designated recovery zones or nearby adjacent habitat. These areas are selected to maximize the bear’s chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of repeated conflicts.

In this case, the Wiggins Fork drainage offers remote habitat within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while still meeting federal and state relocation guidelines.

Public Role in Reducing Bear Conflicts

Wildlife officials continue to stress that residents, ranchers, and recreationists all play a role in minimizing bear conflicts by properly securing attractants.

Key steps include:

• Securing garbage
• Storing livestock feed properly
• Removing bird seed when bears are active
• Keeping pet food indoors
• Using bear-resistant food storage while camping

Reducing access to human-related food sources can lower the chances of bears becoming habituated and may help prevent future relocations or lethal removals.

A Growing Reality in Bear Country

As grizzly populations remain active across northwest Wyoming, encounters between bears, livestock, and people continue to challenge wildlife managers. Relocation remains a balancing act between conservation goals, public safety, and protecting agricultural interests.

For Wyoming residents and visitors, bear awareness remains one of the most effective tools in ensuring both human safety and grizzly survival. For additional guidance, Game and Fish encourages the public to explore its Bear Wise Wyoming resources.