Grizzlies May Be Displacing Black Bears

Jackson, WY – Two wildlife biologists theorize that grizzly bears may be to blame for the growing number of black bears getting too close for comfort to Jackson Hole homes. Steve Cain with Grand Teton National Park and Erick Shorma with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says grizzlies could be encroaching on black bears' natural habitat, forcing them to find new territory. The Game and Fish Department has this year moved seven black bears and killed five others that became too familiar with human habitat. Shorma says at least part of the problem is home development in bear habitat. He says casualties could be prevented if people took more care to put garbage in bear-proof containers.