Sharing your North Valley backyard with moose, elk, and the occasional bear is part of the magic of Hoback and Jackson Hole. But one unsecured trash can or a casual bird feeder can invite wildlife right to your door. If you own or manage property here, you are expected to prevent conflicts, and local rules make that clear. This guide explains who sets the rules, what you must do at home, and how to respond if you see wildlife near your property. Let’s dive in.
Know who sets the rules
Multiple agencies share responsibility in our area. If your property is inside the Town of Jackson’s bear conflict zone, the town bans wildlife feeding and requires bear‑resistant storage for attractants under Ordinances 1322 and 1323. You can review the town’s summary of rules and definitions in the municipal update on wildlife feeding and bear‑resistant storage.
If your property is in unincorporated Teton County, countywide standards apply. The Land Development Regulations require bear‑resistant refuse containers and prohibit wildlife feeding, with Code Compliance handling notices and follow‑up. See the county’s overview of bear‑resistant trash requirements for how to comply.
State and federal partners also play key roles. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) educates residents, responds to conflicts, and coordinates hazing or removals as needed. Read WGFD’s guidance on securing attractants and reporting at their Jackson Region update. Inside Grand Teton National Park, the National Park Service requires strict food and attractant storage and sets visitor distance rules for bears. Review the park’s bear safety guidance.
Core rules to follow
Do not feed wildlife
Feeding wildlife is prohibited in both the Town of Jackson and Teton County. This includes intentional feeding and unintentional feeding caused by leaving out attractants like pet food, birdseed, salt blocks, or spilled trash. Learn more from the town’s overview of wildlife feeding rules and the county’s feeding regulations summary.
Secure all attractants
Trash, recycling, compost, grills, coolers, livestock feed, birdseed, and fallen fruit are all considered attractants. Store these in a secure building or an approved bear‑resistant container when not in immediate use. The county explains container standards and availability on its bear‑resistant container page.
Use bear‑resistant containers where required
Teton County requires IGBC‑certified or equivalent bear‑resistant refuse and recycling containers countywide. The Town of Jackson requires them inside its designated conflict zone. Most homeowners can swap to approved carts through their waste hauler, which is often the easiest path to compliance. See details on approved containers and service.
Bird feeders and fruit trees
You may keep a bird feeder only if wildlife other than birds cannot access it. Use a catch pan, clean the ground underneath, and follow spacing and height guidance. During periods of high bear activity, removing feeders is strongly recommended by WGFD. Review WGFD’s seasonal tips in their secure attractants advisory and the town’s notes on feeders and fruit trees in the ordinance update.
Compost and yard waste
Food‑bearing compost attracts bears. Use bear‑resistant systems, keep compost in a secure building, or avoid adding food waste to outdoor piles. The county’s wildlife feeding regulations classify food‑bearing compost as an attractant unless secured.
Pets, beehives, and small livestock
Do not leave pet food outdoors. Confine animals at night when possible. If you keep chickens or beehives, electric fencing is a proven deterrent. WGFD shares practical steps in their secure attractants guidance.
What is bear‑resistant
“Bear‑resistant” refers to products that meet Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) standards or an approved equivalent. Keep containers in good working order, and repair or replace damaged latches right away. For most residents, the fastest route is to request an approved cart from your hauler. The county outlines options and standards on its bear‑resistant container page.
Prevent conflicts and report quickly
When and how to report
Report bear sightings or conflicts promptly to WGFD so managers can use non‑lethal options when possible. If local attractant rules may be involved, you can also contact Teton County Code Compliance. Start with WGFD’s Jackson Region guidance and the county’s Code Compliance page for reporting information.
What not to do
Do not attempt to trap or relocate wildlife yourself. Handling wildlife is regulated and can be dangerous. Use non‑lethal deterrents like noise or properly installed electric fencing, and coordinate with WGFD for advice. If you are recreating in the park, follow NPS rules on food storage and distances outlined in their bear safety guidance.
Peak seasons to watch
Conflicts tend to rise in spring when bears emerge and again in late summer and fall during hyperphagia. Plan to tighten attractant control during these periods. The park’s seasonal notices offer helpful reminders; see the 2025 bear season update.
Enforcement in Teton County
Local agencies emphasize education first, but enforcement happens. Teton County conducted compliance campaigns, issued notices, and saw most properties come into line after follow‑up. Persistent violations can lead to additional enforcement actions. Read the county’s summary of recent enforcement efforts.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Use an IGBC‑certified bear‑resistant trash container or keep trash inside a locked building until collection morning. County container guidance
- Remove or secure bird feeders and keep the ground beneath them free of seed. Consider taking feeders down during high bear activity. WGFD seasonal tips
- Do not leave pet food or livestock feed outdoors overnight. Store feed in a secure building. WGFD guidance
- Clean grills and store grills, coolers, and scented items indoors when not in use. NPS bear safety
- Harvest fallen fruit promptly and manage existing fruit trees per local code. Town ordinance overview
- Install electric fencing for beehives or chickens, and consult WGFD on placement and setup. WGFD guidance
Where to get help
- Teton County Code Compliance for questions and reporting: Code Compliance
- Town of Jackson ordinance updates and definitions: Wildlife feeding and bear‑resistant storage update
- Wyoming Game & Fish, Jackson Region: Secure attractants and reporting guidance
- Grand Teton National Park visitor rules: Bear safety and food storage
- Local education and resources: BearWise Jackson Hole
Living well in North Valley means being a good neighbor to people and wildlife. If you are buying or selling in Hoback or greater North Valley, you deserve guidance that protects your investment and the place you love. For property‑specific advice and help coordinating compliant vendors, reach out to David Yoder to talk through your goals.
FAQs
What wildlife rules apply to a North Valley home in unincorporated Teton County?
- Teton County requires bear‑resistant refuse containers and prohibits wildlife feeding; Code Compliance handles notices and follow‑up. See the county’s container guidance.
Do I need a special trash can for a home in the Town of Jackson’s conflict zone?
- Yes. The town requires bear‑resistant storage for attractants inside its conflict zone. Review the town’s ordinance summary and contact your hauler for an approved cart.
Are bird feeders allowed at my Hoback property?
- Only if wildlife other than birds cannot access them, and the ground beneath is kept clean. During high bear activity, WGFD recommends removing feeders. See WGFD tips.
What should I do if a bear visits my yard in North Valley?
- Do not approach. Secure pets, remove attractants if safe, and report to WGFD right away. The county’s Code Compliance page can also help with local rule questions.
Can I haze or relocate wildlife myself at my home?
- Do not trap or relocate wildlife on your own. Use non‑lethal deterrents and coordinate with WGFD for guidance. When in the park, follow NPS rules in their bear safety guidance.
