Grizzly Trapping To Begin South Of Meeteetse

CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Scientists will begin trapping grizzly bears south of Meeteetse as part of an ongoing study of the bears across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The Billings Gazette reports Monday (http://bit.ly/IVmM1u ) that scientists will capture the bears with snares and culvert traps. The animals will be immobilize while DNA, blood, hair, tooth and tissue are collected to help determine aging. Adult bears will also be fitted with a radio-collar for tracking.

Brian Debolt of Wyoming Game and Fish says trapping will take place in the Grass Creek drainage from Monday to May 23.

Debolt says the region sits on the fringe of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem between Meeteeste and Thermopolis, where bears are expanding in both number and distribution.

At least 700 grizzlies live in the ecosystem.