Jackson Hole, it is beyond due time to require bear proof trash cans in Teton County. Our beloved Grizzly 610's two sons were recently euthanized for accessing food rewards primarily in the neighborhoods directly outside the relative safety of Grand Teton National Park. Of the 22 conflicts implicated in the second cubs death, 20 were due to improper food storage in these neighborhoods, largely trash. It is truly unacceptable that there is no mandate for bear proof trash cans in place to prevent these conflicts from happening. The deaths of 610s two cubs brought this issue into the spotlight but needless deaths of this nature have been going on for many many years. We fear that world famous Grizzly 399's cubs will face a similar fate if they are allowed to disperse into the same hostile environment full of unsecured trash if there are no bear proof can ordinances put in place. This is the first responsible step into ensuring that these bears have the best chance of survival in their adult life. 

Our beloved park grizzlies and black bears alike face a gauntlet of life threatening peril when they leave the boundaries and venture into these neighborhoods. The biggest threat by far is unsecured trash that habituates them to human food, leading ultimately to euthanasia. As residents of this beautiful valley, we are blessed to be living so close to these incredible animals and we need to be respectful of their homes as well. This can be accomplished by accepting the responsibility of securing our waste.

Please let our County Commissioners and Mayor know that you support enacting a bear proof trash can ordinance to save our bears by signing this petition. In the memory of 610s two beautiful sons, and in the interest of protecting 399s next generation and all the other bears in our ecosystem. Thank you.