Wyoming Game and Fish Bear Spray Giveaway in Cody on March 4

Once again, Wyoming Game and Fish and its partners are giving away the spray that could save lives in an unlucky encounter with a grizzly bear.

In partnership with the Safari Club International Foundation, Campfire Conservation Fund, and American Bear Foundation, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Shoshone National Forest will distribute bear spray to recreationists at no cost next month.

This is an important annual event for Wyoming Game and Fish. The last Cody event was at the Cody Stampede Rodeo parking in August 2022 – just before hunting season.

Free canisters will be distributed at three different Wyoming Game and Fish regional offices. Approximately 100 cans of bear spray will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis at each location.

Canisters will be available at the following locations:

Cody

• March 4 at Game and Fish Cody Regional Office, (2 Tilden Trail, Cody)

Dubois

• March 17 at Dubois Town Park (10 Bighorn Lane, Dubois)

Lander

• March 18 at Game and Fish Lander Regional Office (260 Buena Vista Drive, Lander)

All three events begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until all 100 canisters are distributed.

“Bear spray is an effective deterrent in an aggressive bear encounter, and we hope this effort continues to raise awareness and remind those recreating in bear country to be prepared and stay safe,” said Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator Kyle Garrett. “In addition to the giveaway, Game and Fish and Forest Service biologists will be available to discuss bear ecology and conservation, and promote ‘Bear Wise’ proactive behavior to reduce conflict potential.”

Courtesy Wyoming Game and Fish

Participants can also practice using inert bear spray on a mock charging bear.

The mock bear is mounted on a rail system that rolls, allowing participants to deploy bear spray in a simulated sudden encounter situation with a charging bear.

“These partnership events provide a great opportunity for people to practice and become proficient with the inert spray and to promote safety as many folks prepare for the spring recreation and shed hunting season,” Garrett said.