Be Bear Aware

UPDATE: The tagged bear seen recently around Saratoga was tranquilized at a residence at the corner of 2nd Street and Saratoga Avenue Monday night and relocated.

Overturned trash cans may be a common sight for the near future in Saratoga.

In recent days, at least one black bear has been seen behind the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. Another bear, or possibly the same bear, has also been spotted in the area of Hugus Avenue and 2nd street.

The bear spotted behind the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort is easily identified by two red ear tags with the number 8242. According to Teal Cufaude, Saratoga Wildlife Biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), the two large red tags show the bear is not from Wyoming. Cufuade told the Sun on Monday morning the tags were not used by WGFD, but by their counterparts in Colorado.

What was unclear when the Sun spoke with Cufaude on Monday morning was the reason for the tags. Though the tags could be due to previous interactions the bear may have had with rural residential areas, they could also mean the bear is a part of a study. Both Cufaude and new Saratoga WGFD Game Warden Levi Wood are finding out the story behind the bear while also attempting to trap the animal.

In the meantime, Cufuade is reminding people to use their bear sense to prevent the animal, or animals, from finding more food rewards and potentially extending its stay. Saratoga residents are reminded to do the following:

Secure all attractants indoors or in a bear proof container.

Put garbage out in the morning, not the night before. Store in a sturdy building or place in an approved bear resistant trash can.

Hang bird feeders out of reach of bears. Take feeders down between April and November.

Keep barbecue grills clean and grease free.

Store livestock and pet food indoors. Do not feed pets outside

Pick all ripe fruit from trees promptly and keep ground clear of fallen fruit.

Do not feed wildlife.

Provide automatic outdoor lighting at entrances and walkways. Alert neighbors to bear activity and carry bear spray.

Residents who have spotted a bear may call the Saratoga Police Department at 307-326-8316, Cufaude at 307-321-7087 or Wood at 307-326-5583.