Press release from Yellowstone National Park
BOZEMAN, Montana – As part of ongoing grizzly and black bear research and management efforts, and as required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the U.S. Geological Survey We are working in cooperation with the National Park Service. This is to inform the public that scientific trapping operations are about to begin once again in Yellowstone National Park.
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) and Yellowstone National Park biologists began field trapping on May 1st and plan to continue until October 31st. None of the trap stations in the park will be located near established hiking trails or remote campgrounds, and all will be located at locations. A closed perimeter warning will be posted at the trap site. Bright warning signs will also be posted at accessible points to indicate closed areas. It is important that the public pay attention to these signs. If backcountry users encounter these posting areas, they should stay away from the area.
Grizzly distribution monitoring and other activities are essential to the continued recovery of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem. To lure bears, biologists use natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential trap sites are fed these natural baits, and if there is any indication that a grizzly is in the area, culvert traps or foot traps are used to trap the bear. Captive bears are handled according to strict safety and animal care protocols developed by IGBST.
When bear trapping operations are conducted for scientific purposes, bright warning signs are posted around the site to notify the public of the activity. These signs are posted along the main access points to the strategy site. It is important for the public to be aware of these signs and to avoid entering areas where they are posted.
For more information on bear trapping operations, call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about grizzly bear research and monitoring is available on the IGBST website.
