Grizzly Mama Drama in the Tetons…..

As everyone has guessed, I’m on vacation. I miss being on the blog everyday but I needed to recharge my batteries and get away for a while. I’ll be back soon full-time but in the meantime here’s what I’ve been up to.

Something pretty interesting happened the other day. We were traveling through the Grand Tetons and came upon a unique bear event. First we saw the signs that stated bears were in the area with cubs. Then we saw the bear jam. There were cars lined up and down the highway and people were dashing off into the field to see famous bear 399 with her triplets and her daughter 610, who has twins.

Traffic slowed to a crawl, everyone wanted to get a glimpse of the bears. At the time we had no idea both bears were in the area with their cubs. We thought it was 399 that was causing all the commotion but didn’t know 610 was there as well. We wanted to stop our car but it was so crazy, there were so many people, we just drove on by. There was a park ranger on the road holding up a sign that said SLOW. It was one of the craziest bear jams I’ve ever seen. I love grizzlies and just being in the area with them is awesome. Later that day we found out the details of what went down.

Of course I’m sad I missed getting those pictures and now the park has placed tough new restrictions on viewing grizzlies and wolves, because of what happened that day. I don’t agree with the new rules, they are way too harsh but it was truly bizarre out there and grizzly sows with cubs, even amiable ones like 399, can be so unpredictable.

One thing it proves to me is people love their wildlife alive and well. They will go to any lengths so get that shot and I don’t mean with a rifle.

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Grand Teton grizzly family causing bear jams

June 28, 2011 9:40 AM

(AP)  CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A grizzly bear clan famous for its frequent roadside appearances in Grand Teton National Park is keeping park rangers especially busy this summer tending to tourist critter jams.

The cubs are cute — no question about that — but a female grizzly with cubs happens to be one of the most dangerous animals in North America. And this Grand Teton clan has a history: One attacked a hiker; another was shot and killed by a hunter.

Biologists speculate the unusually camera-friendly behavior by Grizzly No. 399 and her daughter, No. 610, might serve to keep at bay adult male grizzlies, which sometimes kill cubs not their own. Five spunky cubs recently have joined the clan, adding to the tourist traffic.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story.

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Photo: Courtesy Wildlife Safari blog

Posted in: Grizzly Bear

Tags: Grand Teton National Park, bear 399, bear 610, strict photography rules, bear jam, grizzly bear cubs