Progress Summary

Why Are We Doing This Project

Teton County Land Development Regulations prohibit feeding wildlife, including but not limited to: bear, moose, mule deer, bison, elk, sheep, fox, coyotes, and antelope. While many people think they are helping wild animals by feeding them, it can compromise their health as wildlife does not digest food in the same way as humans. Feeding wildlife often leads to the animal's death due to starvation, as the food is not properly absorbed.   

Who Will Benefit

Humans and wildlife benefit when wildlife is not fed human food or other items, like salt licks, hay, or various forms of feed (even if packaging says it is OK, it is not healthy for wildlife to eat). Feeding wildlife also changes wildlife behavior, causing them to cross roads they normally would not cross, heightening their risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. 

What Is The Estimated Timeline

This is an ongoing educational campaign to help residents and visitors understand the importance of allowing wildlife to remain wild.

Funding And Costs

There is no cost associated with the Land Development Regulations that prohibit feeding wildlife. 

Ways To Provide Input

Provide input to Teton County Commissioners: commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov.

Want To Learn More?

Minimizing Wildlife Conflict in Teton County Video

The Mountain Neighbor Handbook

Project Manager for Wildlife Feeding Land Development Regulations:

Olivia Graykowski

Code Compliance Officer

300 S Willow Street

Jackson, WY 83001

307-733-3959 (office)

ograykowski@tetoncountywy.gov