Grizzly Bears Out in GTNP
While Yellowstone National Park last week reported the emergence of grizzly bears from their dens, Grand Teton National Park is seeing reports of bear tracks in grizzly country – which Spokesperson Jackie Skaggs says can be almost anywhere in the park now. Skaggs points out that in past years, bears have been seen out early in the Ditch Creek area, the Pilgrim Creek and Pacific Drainages, at the East boundary, in and around Death Canyon and even at the southern boundary. Skaggs says, “I think that it is wise for everyone to think that Grand Teton National Park is now a grizzly bear park similar to Glacier and Yellowstone.” Skaggs say those traveling on foot around the park should once again be carrying bear spray. Skaggs says long-term data indicates that 50% of the male grizzly bear population is usually out of hibernation by March 15th. Those living in or adjacent the park are also advised to be extra careful about not leaving pet food, birdfeeders, or garbage out where the bears might be attracted to them. Skaggs encourages anyone seeing a bear in Grand Teton National Park to report it to park officials so that they can warn others of the bear activity. As yet, Skaggs says there have been no sightings of the more popular bears like 399, 610 or the cubs of those bears.
(Photo by Mark Gocke)
