Conservation, Education, Uncategorized

SCI Foundation Partners With Wyoming Game & Fish For Bear Spray Giveaways/Trainings

PARTNERS ON THIS PROJECT:

  • SCI Foundation
  • Wyoming Game & Fish
  • Campfire Conservation Fund
  • Wyoming Bear Wise
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Mystery Ranch
  • Kristy Titus

In partnership together, we’re holding three local events to give away bear spray and offer bear safety training to outdoor recreationists at no cost to them. Just show up at the following locations:

  • Saturday, March 4th, 10am
    • Cody – Game & Fish Regional Office, 2 Tilden Trail, Cody, WY.
  • Friday, March 17th, 10am
    • Dubois – Town Park, 10 Bighorn Lane, Dubois, WY.
  • Saturday, March 18th, 10am
    • Lander – Game & Fish Regional Office, 260 Buena Vista Drive, Lander, WY.

Approximately 100 cans of bear spray will be given away at each location on a first come, first served basis.

Our first event took place last week (March 4th) with high demand. Hunters and outdoor recreationists were lined up 30 minutes prior waiting for a free bear spray cannister and a chance to go through the provided bear safety trainings. Training included information about bear behavior and ecology, demonstrations and simulations on best practices wearing and deploying bear spray, electric fence installations and tactics around tents and campsites, and more.

“Bear spray is an effective deterrent in an aggressive bear encounter, and we hope this effort continues to raise awareness and remind those recreating in bear country to be prepared and stay safe. In addition to the giveaway, we will have biologists on hand to talk about bear ecology, conservation and promoting ‘Bear Wise’ proactive behavior to reduce conflict potential.”

Kyle Garrett, Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator

Those attending the events will be able to practice with inert bear spray on a mock charging bear.

“These partnership events are a great opportunity for people to practice and become proficient with the inert spray and for Game and Fish to promote bear safety as many folks prepare for spring recreation and shed hunting season.”

Kyle Garrett, Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator

For more information, please call Kyle Garrett at 307-527-7125 from WY Bear Wise, or email Maria Davidson at MDavidson@SCIFirstForHunters.org from SCIF.