The Wyoming Game and Fish Department hazed a mature grizzly bear on the Paul Stock Nature Trail Sunday, pushing him away from the heavily used area near residences. The bear was last seen near West Newton Lake as department large carnivore program team members keep watch to ensure he doesn’t return.

Press reports over the weekend claimed the department had trapped the bear, which was inaccurate, according to officials with the department. But, with bears trying to fill their bellies prior to hibernation (known as hyperphagia), it is important to remain vigilant across the apex predators’ growing habitat footprint, said Luke Ellsbury, Cody Region large carnivore biologist.

“There was no conflict associated with this bear,” Ellsbury said. “It was more of a human safety factor just the way it was dipping in and out of city limits. That was our main concern with it.”

Had the department sought to capture the bear, they would have needed approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he said. Hazing a bear doesn’t require permission. Those recreating near Newton lakes should always be aware that it has become more common to see both grizzly and black bears in the area.

While it is relatively rare, Ellsbury cautioned folks recreating on the Shoshone River to carry bear spray, including “from Powell all the way west,” he said.

Both species of bears are currently feeding on Russian olive tree fruit — a species of tree common in and around the Willwood Access Area just south of Powell — and gut piles left by hunters. Bears have used the river as a pathway as far east as Byron in recent years.

“There's always black bears down in there around that country. Not a bunch of them, but we have also had grizzly bears come through that area over the years. I've caught two or three down there by Willwood,” Ellsbury said, adding with hyperphagia at its peak, bears will be guarding their food — especially bears with young.

“People should be prepared to see a bear and know the bear may defend itself,” he said.

Game and Fish spokesperson Breanna Ball said hazing is an excellent management tool that is meant to protect both bears and people. She said there was no capture of a bear and that it was actually a hazing with pressure from cracker shells.

“Hazing is a great method. It keeps animals wild by teaching them to keep their distance from humans and it helps us coexist and keep wildlife and people safe,” she said.

The department posted signs alerting visitors to the area to carry bear spray and be on alert.

“Anytime there's an issue with grizzly bears, we [temporarily] close the area, put up signage, and then work with local police or sheriff's departments as well,” Ball said. “Most folks know that grizzly bear populations are pretty dense and robust throughout northwest Wyoming. There's always going to be a chance that residents and [those recreating in the area] can encounter them, especially in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem area.”

Be prepared to carry bear spray, remain alert and watchful for bear activity and learn how to recognize bear signs, she said.

For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/bear-wise-wyoming.