On August 15, 2025, following consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department captured and relocated a subadult male grizzly bear.
The grizzly bear was apprehended for cattle depredation on US Forest Service lands in Fremont County. The grizzly bear was relocated to the Mormon Creek drainage, which is about 5 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance, in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Shoshone National Forest.
Grizzly bears are relocated in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, and Game and Fish must notify the public whenever a grizzly bear is relocated.
WHY RELOCATION?
Grizzly bear relocation is a management tool used by carnivore biologists to reduce conflicts between humans and grizzly bears. Bears that pose a threat to human safety are not relocated.
In some cases, a bear may be removed from the population if successful relocation is not possible.
Capture is necessary when other deterrents or preventative measures have been exhausted or are unattainable. When an animal is captured, all circumstances are considered before deciding whether or not to relocate the individual.
If relocation is necessary, a site is chosen based on the bear’s age, gender, and type of conflict, as well as potential human activity in the surrounding area.
Grizzly bears are only relocated to the recovery zone or adjacent areas. With any relocation, Game and Fish consults with appropriate agencies to reduce the likelihood of future conflicts and maximize the grizzly bear’s survival.
HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP
Game and Fish continues to emphasize the importance of public involvement in bear management, as well as keeping all attractants such as food, garbage, horse feed, and bird seed out of bear reach.
Reducing the availability of attractants for bears reduces human-bear conflicts and, in some cases, relocations. For more information on grizzly bear management and conflict resolution, go to the Bear Wise Wyoming website.
