‘Robobear’ Heads to Pinedale and Jackson for Bear Spray Giveaway and Training

If you’ve ever wondered how you’d react to a charging grizzly, this weekend you’ll get the chance to find out—without the claws.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is bringing its remote-controlled “Robobear” to Pinedale and Jackson for a pair of free bear spray training and giveaway events. The charging simulator hits speeds of more than 20 mph, giving participants a taste of what a real surprise encounter might feel like. (For comparison: a live grizzly can top 30 mph or more.)

Along with the hands-on training, organizers will be handing out about 100 cans of bear spray at each stop, free on a first-come, first-served basis. The events are hosted in partnership with the Safari Club International Foundation, American Bear Foundation, and Shoshone National Forest.

• Pinedale: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. at the WGFD Pinedale Regional Office (432 Mill St.)
• Jackson: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2 p.m. at the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center (532 N Cache St.)

“These partnership events provide a great opportunity for people to practice and become proficient with bear spray and to promote safety as many folks prepare for the fall recreation and hunting season,” said Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator Mark Aughton.

With fall recreation and hunting season underway—and bears on the move—Game and Fish is reminding residents and visitors to be “bear aware.” That means keeping food, garbage, pet feed, and other attractants locked up, protecting pets and gardens, and reporting conflicts right away to Game and Fish (1-877-WGFD-TIP).

More safety tips and resources are available on the Bear Wise Wyoming webpage.

With input from Buckrail and the Sheridan Press.