Teton County Coexistence Report

Human-wildlife coexistence is at the core of the ecosystem, economy, and social dynamics of Teton County, Wyoming. To make informed decisions concerning human-wildlife coexistence, it is important to establish metrics to track our challenges, successes, and opportunities over time. Although many organizations collect data on singular aspects of human-wildlife coexistence, our community lacks a centralized resource to holistically evaluate community-level coexistence. The Teton County Wildlife Coexistence Monitoring Report addresses this gap by compiling 20 metrics of human-wildlife coexistence. Metrics were determined through engagement of 40+ stakeholders, including land-mangers, elected officials, conservation professionals, scientists, and long-time residents, among others. Chapter 1 presents metrics related to Land Use, including Habitat Protection and Threats and Landscape Permeability. Chapter 2 focused on Human-Wildlife Interactions from Bear Feeding/Conflict and Recreation. Finally, Chapter 3 highlights the Human Dimensions of Coexistence, evaluating Strategies, Monitoring, and Funding as well as Stakeholder Perspectives. This report is intended to inform and advance ecosystem stewardship, monitoring, and conservation action in Teton County. The 21 metrics presented here represent a starting point for monitoring and stewarding the incredible natural capital of this area. By establishing this baseline, future monitoring, research, dialogue and action can be targeted toward root challenges, evolving opportunities, and a united community vision of wildlife-human coexistence in Teton County