The updated Wildlife Feeding Land Development Regulation was passed unanimously last week by the Teton County Commissioners, helping protect wildlife and people in the valley.
After years of being an Alliance policy goal, we are thrilled to announce that the updated Wildlife Feeding Land Development Regulation was passed unanimously last week by the Teton County Commissioners. The revised regulation contains updated language on securing attractants and feeding requirements, most notably, the expansion to a county-wide requirement of bear-resistant trash cans.
This is a big win for the community and wildlife, and we want to thank the County Commissioners, County staff, members of the Planning Commission, trash hauling companies, agency and nonprofit representatives, and everyone who gave public comment in support of the updated LDRs and who has worked on this issue for years.
Springtime brings increased wildlife movement throughout our valley and is a critical time to reduce the risk of conflict with bears and other wildlife on or near your property. Although the updated regulation requiring residents to store garbage in bear-resistant containers; secure livestock feed, pet food, compost and beehives; and hang bird feeders to make them inaccessible to bears and other wildlife won’t go into effect until July 1, we encourage voluntary compliance starting immediately. In addition, we must encourage our neighbors to also adopt these practices, including educating people that feeding wildlife is not only illegal, but detrimental to the health of the animals.
Along with complying with the updated Land Development Regulations, check out these resources to reduce conflict with wildlife on your property:
