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Allowing a bear to obtain human food, even once, often results in aggressive behavior. The bear then becomes a threat to human safety and must be removed or destroyed. Help keep park bears wild and safe. Do not feed the bears for any reason! Failure to follow park regulations is a violation of federal law and may result in citations and fines. Keep a Clean Camp
- After eating and before leaving camp or sleeping, check to be sure you have a clean, bear-proof campsite:
- All food, containers, and utensils must be stored in a bear box or in a closed, locked vehicle with windows rolled up. The only exceptions are during the transport, preparation, and eating of food.
- Trash and garbage must be stored in the same manner as food, or placed in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
- Treat odorous products such as soap, deodorant, sunscreen, and perfumes in the same manner as food.
- For your safety absolutely no food, foodstuffs, garbage, or odorous products may be stored in tents or sleeping bags.
- Ice chests, thermoses, water containers, barbecue grills, stoves, dishes, and pans must be stored in the same way as food — inside a locked vehicle or bear box.
Bear-proof Canisters Required for Overnight Stays
Beginning in 2008, backpackers will be required to carry approved bear-proof canisters when camping below 10,000 feet in elevation. Bear-proof canisters are provided by the park or visitors may use any of the following approved canisters during the overnight stays in the park backcountry.
The following food storage canisters are currently approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Grand Teton National Park’s new canister requirement program will authorize the use of any of these and any canisters approved by IGBC. Each of these canisters has been tested in the USFS Missoula lab and at the Grizzly Discovery Center with bears.
Backpacker Model 812-C
Garcia Machine
14097 Ave. 272
Visalia, CA 93292
Phone: 559-732-3785
Website: http://www.backpackerscache.com/
Customer Service: gmachine@psnw.com
BearVault BV350, BV400
Website: http://www.bearvault.com
Phone: 866-301-3442
The Bear Keg
Counter Assault
120 Industry Court
Kalispell, MT 59901-7991
Phone: 406-257-4740 or 800-695-3394
FAX: 406-257-6674
Website: http://www.counterassault.com/
The Bare Boxer Contender
Golf City Products
9614 Cozycroft Ave. Suite D
Chatsworth, CA91311
Website: http://www.bareboxer.com/
Bear Etiquette
If you encounter a bear, do not run. If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly away. If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone.
- Never approach a bear for any reason.
- Never allow a bear to get human food. If approached while eating, put food away and retreat to a safe distance (100 yards/91 meters).
- Never abandon food because of an approaching bear. Always take it with you.
- Never throw your pack or food at a bear in an attempt to distract it.
- Never bury food scraps, containers, or fish entrails. Put them in trash cans.
- Never leave food, containers, or garbage unattended in camp. Bears are active both day and night.
You Can Make a Difference
Since 1996, seven bears have been destroyed in this park due to irresponsible human behavior that led to the bear’s habituation to human food. Please help to ensure that similar situations are not repeated. Your actions while on park trails and in the campground will affect the chances of these bears survival.
If you encounter a bear, do not approach it for any reason. Bears are unpredictable and should be watched only from a safe distance of at least 100 yards (91m). Report all bear sightings to a ranger.
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