While some parts of the country predict the coming of spring with the emergence of a groundhog, in this part of the country, the coming of spring is heralded by the emergence of Yellowstone grizzly bears. Yellowstone National Park biologists have reported the sighting of the first grizzly bear out of hibernation. The bear was observed March 7th from the air by biologists during a radio telemetry flight near Grand Prismatic Spring. His appearance came just one day before last year’s first sighting.
Bears awake in springtime
Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in early March while females with cubs emerge in April and early May. When they do come out of hibernation, they are – well, as hungry as a bear; and they look for food, often feeding on elk and bison that died over the winter. Biologists say they can be very aggressive about protecting that newly-found food source, and park visitors need to be alert and very cautious while traveling in Yellowstone grizzly bear country.
Roads in Yellowstone National Park have already started to close to over-snow travel and spring plowing operations will start as road segments close. All oversnow travel will end for the season March 15, at 9 p.m. Weather permitting, some park roads will reopen to automobile travel April 17, at 8 a.m.
The road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs to Cooke City, Montana, is open to automobiles all year.
Visitors driving to and in the park during the spring should have flexible travel plans and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time. For the most current information on road conditions and closures, visit Park Roads or call 307-344-2117 for recorded information. In addition, sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
Park official remind visitors to stay alert for bears and other wildlife on roadways.
Related Stories:
Grizzly Bear Protections Review Ordered
Greater Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Deaths Investigated
National Park Serve Photo / Adams
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