The Wyoming State Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers, hunters, fishermen, golfers, etc., to take extra precautions against bears when they are in the mountains near the towns of Jackson, Cody, and Sheridan. “Wear noise-producing devices like little bells on your clothing,” said a department representative at a recent talk. “You want to alert the bears to your presence but not startle them unexpectedly.”
The representative went on to suggest that travelers carry pepper spray in case of an encounter with a bear. “It’s also a good idea to watch for signs of bear activity,” he said. “Learn to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear droppings.”
“How do you tell the difference?” asked one audience member.
“That’s easy,” said the ranger. “Black bear droppings are smaller and contain berries and possibly squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings have bells in them and smell like pepper spray.”
