Two Bear Families Close Moose/Wilson Road
The movement of bears along the Moose/Wilson Road north of the Death Canyon intersection led to the temporary road closure through that area Thursday for the first time this year. Park Spokesperson Jackie Skaggs explains that traffic is shut down through the area where bears are present due to the narrowness of the road and the risks to not only the motorists, but to the bears as well. Skaggs says there were seven bears on and near the road Thursday – apparently attracted by ripe hawthorn berries there. Skaggs says it appears that the bears are 610 and her three cubs, and a black bear and her two cubs. The closure is to last until about 11:00 am Saturday, but may be re-established whenever bears are present. Last year was the first year grizzly bears had begun frequenting the Moose/Wilson Road area requiring such interruptions of travel. Park officials are considering a possible long-term solution of rerouting the road away from the favored riparian areas in years to come.
