The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is giving away free bear spray in Jackson on Wednesday, September 20th. Dusty Lasseter, Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, says 100 cans of bear spray will be given away to hunters and anglers who possess a current Wyoming hunting or fishing license on a first come, first serve basis.

“This event is an excellent example of Wyoming sportsmen stepping up to increase awareness and safety in bear country,” said Lasseter. “Game and Fish promotes proper bear spray use as an effective deterrent in an aggressive bear encounter and we hope this effort will raise awareness and prevent conflicts between bears and those hunting in bear country this fall.”

The giveaway starts at 8 a.m. September 20th at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at 532 North Cache Street, that's just north of the Wyoming Game and Fish office. To get the free spray, you must show a current Wyoming hunting or fishing license, and also take a short survey to help the Wyoming Game and Fish Department evaluate their educational efforts to promote bear awareness and reduce the potential for conflicts between hunters and grizzly bears.

“This is a great opportunity for Game and Fish to interact with our dedicated sportsmen and also assess our Bear Wise program,” Lasseter said. “Hunters who pick up a can of bear spray will have the opportunity to practice with inert training cans and talk with local large carnivore biologists. These educational efforts and interactions will continue to be an essential part of grizzly bear management now and into the future.”

The free bear spray was purchased with donations from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bowhunters of Wyoming, Wyoming Outdoorsmen and the Western Bear Foundation.