Bill to require bear spray for Wyoming recreationists

JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Attorney Steve Weichman says he's working on legislation that would require permitted backcountry users to carry bear spray when they're in grizzly country.

Weichman announced the proposal last week during a Yellowstone Grizzly Coordinating Committee meeting. He says the bill would require hunters, anglers, and recreationists overnighting in national parks to carry bear spray when in areas populated by grizzly bears.

Weichman says the bill is needed because human-grizzly conflicts are increasing.

Bob Wharff, executive director of the Wyoming Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, says he's not sure if his group will support the bill. He says the spray isn't the answer for every encounter, especially when it requires hunters to drop their guns.