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Are there bears in Cody WY?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 16, 2026

CODY, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - 2021 is proving to be a dangerous year for grizzly bears. So far this year, 42 grizzly bears have died in Wyoming, from the Beartooth Range down to the Dubois region - and there are still over two months to go in the calendar year.

Are there grizzlies in Cody WY?

A recent (2017) article shows Grizzly Bears have expanded into prairie habitats (not ideal habitat for Grizzly Bears) 7 miles east of Cody, Wyoming (50 miles east of Yellowstone). Here is a Link to an animated graphic at Wyoming Fish and Game website showing the Grizzly Bear Range expansion from 1990 to 2016.

Where are bears found in Wyoming?

While most at home in dense timber or mixed mountain shrub habitats, black bears have even been documented crossing large open expanses in sagebrush and in the shortgrass prairie areas of eastern Wyoming.

What animals are in Cody Wyoming?

For centuries Cody Yellowstone has been a natural gathering place. First to come was the wildlife: bison, deer, moose, mountain sheep, elk, grizzly bears, black bears, eagles and more — all easily seen in the vast landscapes of grass prairies, mountain slopes and wildflower meadows.

Where are the most bears in Wyoming?

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population is the largest it has ever been. It's estimated that almost 1,070 grizzly bears are in northwest Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho. That number is much higher than the previous estimates which put the grizzly's population estimate at around 750 bears.

26 related questions found

Are grizzly bears in Wyoming?

Wyoming is home to both black bears and grizzly bears.

It is important to know the difference between the two, whether you are a hunter or an occasional hiker. Although grizzly bears are often more aggressive, black bears can still be dangerous. Being able to identify the species can help you stay safe in bear country.

Are there mountain lions in Wyoming?

Wyoming Mountain Lion Habitat and Population

The state of Wyoming encompasses 93,136 square miles of land. Of this, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department ( WGFD ) estimates that approximately 44,379 square miles, or 48 percent of the state is probable mountain lion habitat.

Are there moose in Cody WY?

Moose – east of Cody across the Big Horn Basin are the awesome Big Horn Mountains, home to black bear, deer, and the massive moose! Highway 14A, from Lovell across to Sheridan, is a great place to spot these enormous creatures.

Are there elk in Cody Wyoming?

The Cody elk herd migrates across rugged country on the eastern side of the Absaroka Mountains near Cody, WY. This large herd of 6,000-7,000 animals winters in foothill habitat to the south and west of Cody.

What kind of deer are in Cody Wyoming?

Mule deer are both Wyoming's most populous and sought-after deer. Mule deer are found from high in the western mountains to the low elevation creek bottoms. Many hunters choose where they hunt mule deer based on the type of terrain and scenery they want to experience.

How many black bears live in Wyoming?

There are an estimated 300,000 black bears in the U.S. Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming have less than 1000 black bears each, while Alaska has about 100,000.

What time of day are grizzly bears most active?

Bears are most active at dusk and dawn, usually around water.

How far south in Wyoming are grizzly bears?

“The location is approximately 65 miles south of the Demographic Monitoring Area which is the area considered suitable for the long-term viability of grizzly bears by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” Game and Fish said.

How common are bear attacks in Wyoming?

Although bear attacks and wildlife encounters regularly make the news in the Rocky Mountain Region, grizzly attacks are rare. Dan Smith, regional wildlife supervisor for Wyoming Game & Fish Department, said, "It's not common. Since 2010, we've had 30 injuries and three fatalities involving grizzly bears."

Are there bears in the Bighorn mountains?

Black bears roam freely in the Bighorn National Forest. Seeing a bear can be a memorable and exciting experience. Caution is required, for your safety as well as the bears'.

Are there bears in Thermopolis Wyoming?

An adult male bear was captured northwest of Thermopolis for killing cattle on private lands. In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Shoshone National Forest, the bear was relocated to the Fox Creek drainage, approximately 50 miles northwest of Cody.

Where do elk winter Wyoming?

The Sunlight Basin Meadows are considered crucial winter range for nearly 1,000 elk, as well as mule deer, big- horn sheep, and moose. This area is located 5 miles southeast of Dubois off of U.S. 287.

Can you hunt in Shoshone National Forest?

For the purpose of maintaining and preserving the big game herds within them, the State has established the Shoshone and Hoodoo State Game Preserves, where no hunting is permitted.

What is the most common animal in Wyoming?

Although most people think of the bears and bison of the state as the most common mammals, Wyoming is also home to a diverse population of rodents.

Are there wolves in Wyoming?

Wolves in Wyoming were removed from the endangered species list on April 25, 2017. This means management of this species is now led by the State of Wyoming and is subject to state statutes and Commission regulations. Below is more information on Wyoming's regulations and Wolf Management Plan.

Are there Wolverines in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, wolverine habitat occurs at high elevations, often in designated wilderness areas. This rugged terrain can be challenging to access any time of the year, but particularly in winter.

What to do if you see a bear in Wyoming?

To Recap:

  1. Never approach a bear.
  2. Never feed a bear.
  3. Stay 100 yards (one football field) from bears at all times.
  4. Carry bear spray while hiking and camping.

Are there moose in Wyoming?

Moose are found in many of the mountain ranges and river bottom areas throughout Wyoming, but the greatest numbers are found in the Bridger- Teton National Forest region south of Jackson. Moose are also found in the Bighorn National Forest in north central Wyoming and the Medicine Bow Forest in southeast Wyoming.

Are there bears in the Snowy Range Wyoming?

The Snowy Range in southeast Wyoming has become a hot spot for misbehaving black bears this summer, as have the Story and Cody regions, said Dusty Lasseter, Game and Fish's Bear Wise Coordinator.

Are there black bears in Wyoming?

POWELL — With the help of an organization of hunters, Wyoming Game and Fish officials are attempting to do something they've never done before: count black bears. While department biologists know the species has steadily increased in number, they can't say how many black bears actually reside in the state.