On the evening of July 4, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., the Wyoming Game and Fish Department received a report of a black bear sighting along the North Sheridan Pathway near Canfield Street.

Despite a swift response, wildlife officials were unable to locate the bear that night.

The following afternoon, July 5, another sighting was reported near 12th Street and Taylor Avenue in north Sheridan.

This time, the bear was observed in the backyard of a residence housing a flock of chickens and in an adjacent yard.

Responding promptly, Game and Fish personnel successfully immobilized the bear around 5 p.m.

The animal was identified as a sub-adult female in good health, likely the same bear from the previous night's report.

On the morning of July 6, the bear was transported and released into a remote area of the Bighorn Mountains.

Sheridan Wildlife Biologist Eric Maichak emphasized the importance of timely reporting in such situations.

He stated, "Because the bear was reported quickly by the homeowners and other members of the public and because there was no known history of the bear repeatedly receiving human-provided attractants, it was considered a candidate for relocation."

Maichak further explained that relocation is a viable management option when a bear has not developed a pattern of seeking out human-provided food sources.

He expressed appreciation for the public's prompt reporting of conflicts, which aids in effective wildlife management.

In recent weeks, Game and Fish personnel have addressed multiple bear-related incidents in the Big Horn and Story areas.

These conflicts often involve unsecured garbage and bird feeders, which attract bears into residential zones.

To mitigate such encounters, homeowners and businesses are advised to make attractants like pet food, livestock and poultry feed, and barbecue grills inaccessible to wildlife.

Garbage should be stored in hard-sided buildings until the morning of pickup.

Additionally, bird seed and hummingbird feeders should be positioned at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from tree trunks or poles to deter bears.

There has been a noticeable increase in bear conflicts involving small livestock such as chickens, ducks, and goats kept in backyards.

Implementing electric fencing can effectively protect these animals, as well as beehives, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees.

For more information on coexisting with bears and ensuring safety in bear country, residents can visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Bear Wise Wyoming program.

Any sightings of bears in residential or developed areas should be reported immediately to the Game and Fish Regional Office at 307-672-7418 during regular business hours, the Stop Poaching Hotline at 877-WGFD-TIP, or local law enforcement agencies.

By taking proactive measures and reporting bear sightings promptly, the community can contribute to the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region.