bear-resistant food storage lockers

W hen a bear obtains human food it associates humans as a source of access to food, usually leading to aggressive behavior and the bear’s eventual removal due to human safety concerns. Grand Teton National Park is home to approximately 600 grizzly bears and far more black bears. With nearly 4 million visitors a year, most of whom visit during the peak summer season, the park’s almost 1,000 frontcountry campsites are mostly full during that time. With increased interactions between visitors and the bears, it has become more important than ever for visitors to securely store their food and other items that attract bears.

The park and Foundation have launched an important campaign to make convenient, bear-proof food storage lockers, or “bear boxes”, available to all frontcountry campers. An increased number of food storage boxes will eliminate the need for multiple campsites to use the same box, which can quickly become filled. When used correctly, bear boxes are 100% effective at preventing bears from securing food that they would then associate with humans.

These extremely durable and long-lasting lockers cost $1,500 each for purchase and installation.

Recognize your friends, colleagues, or family members in a unique way by dedicating the box in their honor. We’ll send this adorable teddy bear to your gift recipient that acknowledges the bear box and explains this important program. Once the box is installed in the park, we will mail you a report, specifying exactly where the box is located, along with a campground map and photos. Recognition is available. Please contact the Foundation for details. What fun you’ll have next summer finding your bear box in the park!

Fund a bear box, or part of a bear box, by using our quick and secure online membership form or download a form you can fill in and fax to us at 307-732-0639 or send to Grand Teton National Park Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Moose, WY 83012.

Thank you for making Grand Teton National Park a safer place for visitors and wildlife alike!

View a full size version of the Jackson Hole News and Guide bear box ad campaign by clicking on the image to the left.