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Are there grizzlies in Jackson Hole?

The first grizzly bear sighting of 2022 in the Jackson Hole area occurred on March 13 in Grand Teton National Park. When bears emerge from their dens, they search for any available foods and often scavenge animals that died during the winter. Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience.



Yes, Grizzly bears are very much present in the Jackson Hole area, as it sits in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In 2026, sightings are common within Grand Teton National Park, which borders the town of Jackson to the north. Famous bears like Grizzly 399 and her descendants have made the area world-renowned for bear watching. Grizzlies here are active from late March through November and can be found anywhere from the high mountain slopes to the valley floor near the Snake River. Because of this, "Bear Aware" practices are strictly enforced: locals and tourists must use bear-resistant trash cans, and hikers are strongly advised to carry bear spray and make noise. While they are a thrill to see from a distance (at least 100 yards is the law), they are powerful apex predators that require constant respect and space in this wild Wyoming landscape.

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Private land is scarce here because more than 97 percent of the land in Teton County (the county in which Jackson Hole lies) is federally owned or managed by the state. Of the 3 percent remaining in private ownership, amounting to about 77,000 acres, the Jackson Hole Land Trust alone protects almost 25,000 acres.

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Also, moose sightings are most common in November and December. Our Jackson Hole wildlife safari gives you access to an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide who can also take you to places where you're most likely to experience a moose sighting.

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Bears are generally more visible this time of year and potentially more aggressive, which makes them even more of a safety concern for visitors. If you are out hiking, whether it is a tenth of a mile or a backcountry adventure, it is essential to carry bear spray for your safety.

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In 1999, a wolf pack denned in Grand Teton and produced a litter of pups—the first in the park in over 70 years. Since then, wolves continue to live and reproduce in the Jackson Hole area, including Grand Teton and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

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For 27 years, Jackson Hole Grizzly 399 has been strolling into human, biological and conservation history in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Unbeknownst to her, she's become the most famous living wild bear on Earth.

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The most obvious explanation for the wealthy migration to Wyoming is the tax incentives. The state collects no personal or corporate income tax, and it has one of the nation's lowest sales tax rates (5.36 percent, compared to 8.49 percent in New York).

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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is co-owned by sisters Betty Kemmerer-Gray of Sun Valley, Connie Kemmerer of Jackson, Wyoming with their brother Jay Kemmerer and his wife Karen Kemmerer of New Jersey and Wyoming.

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