Bear spray giveaways and training events will be taking place throughout northwest Wyoming in late August and early September. The events will help raise awareness, and provide important information about safety while recreating in bear country.

Since 2020, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has partnered with the Safari Club International Foundation, American Bear Foundation and Shoshone National Forest to distribute bear spray and provide training to members of the public at no cost.

“These partnership events provide a great opportunity for people to practice and become proficient with bear spray and to promote safety as many folks prepare for the fall recreation and hunting season,” said Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator Mark Aughton. “We hope this effort continues to raise awareness and remind those recreating in bear country to be prepared.” 

Training events will take place at the following locations:

• Aug. 30, 10 a.m., Game and Fish Cody Regional Office, 2 Tilden Trail, Cody

• Aug. 31, 2 p.m., Game and Fish Lander Regional Office, 260 Buena Vista Drive, Lander

• Sept. 6, 10 a.m., Game and Fish Pinedale Regional Office, 432 Mill St, Pinedale

• Sept. 7, 2 p.m., National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, 532 N Cache St, Jackson

Quantities are limited to 100 cans of bear spray at each event, and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Participants will also receive training on how to use bear spray with “robo bear,” a remote-controlled mock charging bear that will simulate a sudden encounter situation. Both Game and Fish and USDA Forest Service biologists will be on site to discuss bear ecology and conservation, and promote Bear Wise Wyoming guidelines.

For more information, contact Mark Aughton at 307-527-7125. For information on Game and Fish programs, resources and other materials, please visit the Game and Fish website.