For the last 150 years, owners of ranches in Wyoming have been concerned with bears. Grizzly bear populations in the west were thought to be in excess of 100,000 in the early 1800’s. Tales of hired hunters were commissioned by the Government to reduce the numbers in order to help provide safe passage through the Rockies. Private ranch owners eventually were the managers of bear populations. Protecting the herd was more important than that of conservation until bear population reached dangerously low numbers. By 1980 the Grizzly bear population was reduced to less than 1000 bears.
Lewis and Clarke made historical references within their journal siting the great number and size of Grizzlies that they encountered. Also noted in pioneer journals was the absolute presence of any fear these beasts had of man. The hides of these great animals fetched a handsome reward back east. Soon sport hunters were killing these animals at a rate of the bison. The beast at the top of the food chain was soon introduced to man who made his way at the top of the ladder. Once the Grizzly bear population was controlled, deer and elk populations grew dramatically, providing great food sources for Mountain men and pioneers.
Today the Grizzly Bear is de-listed from the endangered species list and programs are underway to control their now flourishing return. Today, it is estimated that 16,000 Grizzly Bears are living in British Columbia alone. Over the years Wyoming ranches have had to adopt protective measures to safeguard their ranches from wolves and Grizzly bears. The good news for those of you thinking of purchasing land in Wyoming, there hasn’t been a Grizzly Bear sighing in Southern Wyoming in 30 years, thanks to the many ranchers who tamed the west by thinning this predator clearing the way for safe farming and ranching.
The majority of 40 acre ranches for sale in Wyoming are located in South Eastern Wyoming thus separated from Yellowstone National Park by vast cattle ranches. Before ranchers eradicated the grazing areas of predators, Grizzlies roamed freely and in great numbers as far South as Mexico. The last Grizzly Bear sighting south of Yellowstone Park was over 30 years ago. Black bear which are not nearly as big or as aggressive still populate forested areas throughout Wyoming and Montana. As Grizzly and Wolf populations continue to grow, so are the concerns of local ranchers. Many scientists believe that Grizzlies prefer a diet of berries and plants, it’s important to note that they are carnivorous which makes them dangerous to those who own ranch land and livestock. Conservation programs will affect the ebb and flow of game population creating challenges to those that wish to live the outdoor life in Wyoming.
Today, Grizzly bears have been completely removed from areas outside of Yellowstone in Wyoming. This has made it possible for recreational land sales to boom. Wyoming has become a great state for the opportunity for everyday recreational ranchers to by a ranch in Wyoming and not be worried about safety for their families or livestock. Thanks to thoughtful conservation, magnificent animals like Grizzly and wolves still exist and with thoughtful balance to the safety and environmental balance, those who own ranch land in Wyoming can do freely. Today Wyoming ranch ownership has never been easier or safer.
