Green camping open after grizzlies vanish
Jackson Hole News and Guide, July 16, 2010 [here]
The Upper Green River area is once again open to camping following a closure caused by the sighting of several grizzly bears, including one that trashed a tent and got into garbage.
Officials with the Bridger-Teton National Forest closed the area last week, citing the bear activity. Even following the closure, an angler nearby at Union Pass stumbled upon a grizzly eating a moose calf and was knocked down and bitten, although not seriously injured.
Following the closure, Wyoming Game and Fish Department workers monitored the Upper Green from the boundary of the national forest to Green River Lakes. In the week of watching they area, they did not see bears, Forest Service officials said in a statement. While camping is again allowed, regulations requiring that food and garbage be properly stored so bears can’t get them will be enforced.
Proper food storage is critical because the grizzly is listed as a threatened species under federal law. When bears obtain food from people, such incidents can lead to conflicts and, ultimately, the killing of the bear.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is to properly store food, garbage and other bear attractants,” acting Pinedale District Ranger Trish Clabaugh said in a statement. “Taking precautions when camping and recreating in bear country can make a huge difference in protecting both people and bears.”
She outlined proper procedure that includes keeping food in a hard-sided camper or in the trunk or cab of a vehicle. Food also can be suspended 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from any upright support such as a tree or pole. Approved bear-resistant containers also are acceptable. … [more]
Note: The bears vanished? Poof, into thin air? Are they magic bears?