11/04/09

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) _ Teton County Attorney Steve Weichman says
he's working on legislation that would require permitted
backcountry users to carry bear spray when they're in grizzly
country.

Weichman announced the proposal last week during a Yellowstone
Grizzly Coordinating Committee meeting. He says the bill would
require hunters, anglers, and recreationists overnighting in
national parks to carry bear spray when in areas populated by
grizzly bears.

Weichman says the bill is needed because human-grizzly conflicts
are increasing.

Bob Wharff, executive director of the Wyoming Sportsmen for Fish
and Wildlife, says he's not sure if his group will support the
bill. He says the spray isn't the answer for every encounter,
especially when it requires hunters to drop their guns.
___

Information from: Jackson Hole News And Guide,
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-11-04-09 0805MST<