Cody – In cooperation with Wyoming Outdoorsmen and Western Bear Foundation, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will distribute bear spray to hunters at no cost on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Dusty Lasseter, bear wise community coordinator for Game and Fish, said 100 cans of bear spray will be given away to hunters who possess a current Wyoming hunting or fishing license on a first come, first serve basis.   The bear spray was purchased with monetary donations from Wyoming Outdoorsmen and Western Bear Foundation.  This is the fourth year Game and Fish has partnered with these organizations to give away bear spray to hunters in Cody.

“Bear spray is an effective deterrent in an aggressive bear encounter and we hope this effort will raise awareness and remind those hunting in bear country to be prepared and stay safe,” Lasseter said.  “This is a prime example of Wyoming sportsmen stepping up to increase awareness and safety in bear country.”

The giveaway will begin at 8 a.m. at the Cody check station at the bottom of the South Fork hill in Cody.  To receive a can of bear spray, hunters must show a current Wyoming hunting or fishing license and take a short survey to help Game and Fish evaluate educational efforts that promote bear awareness and reduce the potential for conflicts between hunters and grizzly bears.

“This is a great opportunity for Game and Fish to interact with hunters and assess our Bear Wise program,” Lasseter said.  “Hunters who pick up a can of bear spray also have the opportunity to practice with inert training cans and talk with local large carnivore biologists.”

Wyoming Outdoorsmen http://www.wyomingoutdoorsmen.org/

Western Bear Foundation  http://www.westernbearfoundation.org/