Bear, Lion, and Wolf Seminars Teach Safety

Press Release – Would you know how to react if you were hiking in the Bighorn Mountains and you suddenly came upon a mountain lion or if you were camping and a black bear wandered into your camp? How about if you encountered a wolf or grizzly bear while hiking in Yellowstone National Park?

If you’re interested in learning more about how to live with these large predators, plan to attend the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s “Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country” workshop that will be held at the following place and date:

• Wednesday April 5, 5:30-7:30 PM, Room TEC 213, Gillette College, 3251 South 4-J Road, Gillette, WY.

The purpose of the workshop is to increase participants’ awareness and understanding of bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Information and tools will be provided to the participants that they can use to avoid dangerous encounters and prevent future conflicts.

Gillette Wildlife Biologist Erika Peckham said, “The Game and Fish Department wants people to understand how to reduce the potential for conflicts ensuring the safety of both humans and the animals. There is potential for human interactions with black bears and mountain lions in the Bighorn Mountains and, if you travel to western Wyoming an encounter with a grizzly bear or wolf is a possibility.”

Presentations will feature behavior and biology, safety and legal issues, and focus on what to do in an encounter situation. Demonstrations about the proper use of bear spray will be presented. Information will also be provided on how to reduce the likelihood of an unwanted encounter.

Seminars are free and open to people of all ages and skill levels. If you have questions, please contact Bud Stewart at 307-672-7418.