Grizzly bear capture operations have been underway in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem since Aug. 9 and will continue through Oct. 28. It’s part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone area.
“Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” the National Park Service said. In order to attract the bears, biologists use natural food sources like fresh road-killed deer and elk.
“Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indicators point to grizzly bears in the area, culvert traps or sometimes foot snares will be used to capture the bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.”
When bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public. NPS warns travelers not to venture into an area where such signs have been posted.
