Wyoming news briefs for May 27

Posted 5/27/22

News from across Wyoming.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Wyoming news briefs for May 27

Posted

Togwotee Pass to get more wildlife ambassadors

JACKSON — More wildlife ambassadors and cops. That’s part of the plan going forward for managing bear-watching people on Togwotee Pass.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol told the Jackson Hole Daily last week that its officers could start ticketing people who park in the highway right of way, where parking is illegal, rather than in pullouts, where it’s allowed.

Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr added his forces to that plan Thursday. He told the Daily that his officers will also start patrolling the pass over Memorial Day weekend. 

Parking illegally on the shoulder could run violators up to a $250 fine, Carr said.

And Friends of the Bridger-Teton, the nonprofit auxiliary for the Bridger-Teton National Forest that recently received $1 million from the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board to educate visitors, said it is looking to hire a fourth wildlife ambassador to help manage the fracas.

“This has already been a very busy summer, and it’s not even summer yet,” said Scott Kosiba, executive director of Friends of the Bridger-Teton.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Bridger-Teton and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have all established a presence on Togwotee Pass, with Game and Fish officials hazing roadside bears that dwell there as needed.

At issue is a highway with a 55 mph speed limit, a family of bears that frequents it, and gaggles of wildlife photographers and watchers who visit, aiming to catch a glimpse of grizzly 863, known colloquially as Felicia, and her cubs.

The confluence of the three factors has wildlife officials, land managers and law enforcement officials worried about the safety of people and bears.

———

Governor thanks authorities for Ukraine donations

CHEYENNE — Gov. Mark Gordon has extended his appreciation to members of Wyoming’s law enforcement community for donating used equipment to assist the people of Ukraine. 

Coordinated by the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, the statewide effort involved outreach to multiple agencies across the state. 

The effort resulted in the donation of more than 200 interior and exterior ballistic vests; panels that can be used to assemble an additional 80 vests; rifle plates for the vests; helmets and boots. In addition, six pallets of medical grade wipes were donated. 

“I want to thank law enforcement in Wyoming for stepping up and providing this needed equipment for the Ukrainian people,” Gordon said in a news release. 

Donations came from across the state, including Albany, Carbon, Converse and Sublette County sheriff’s offices; police departments in Glenrock, Powell, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Torrington; Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation; Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Wyoming Livestock Board.