Those who have been visiting Grand Teton National Park during its first week of being open since the COVID-19 closure began in March have found the wildlife to be abundant. Whether it’s Bear 399 and her four cubs or other park fauna, Park Spokesperson Denise Germann says being springtime, there are a lot of animals migrating, and a lot of babies in evidence.
Germann said, “It’s just one of those seasonal times to view wildlife, and it’s such an exciting and memorable time – but we’ve always got to remember as we’re driving through the park, slow down, respect the wildlife and give them that viewing distance – give them that safe distance, and with bears and wolves, that’s 100 yards and with other animals it’s 25 yards.”
Germann says the animals are most active during the dawn and dusk hours, and those driving through the park need to be alert and slow down during those times. She adds that people stopping along the road to view or photograph the animals need to be sure they are pulled totally out of the traffic lane
Germann said, “As many times as many of us have seen wildlife, it never gets old. It’s just so exciting and it’s such a memory but we need to remember to be safe about it. So you always pull off of the road, never stay parked in the road or in the middle of the road (goodness) – but move to the side of the road, pull off completely off of the road, and just be thoughtful about actions and what you’re doing.”
In the interest of safety, Germann says do your wildlife watching from a safe distance, or if you are along the road, stay in your car.
