Tag: grizzly bear

Watch: Yellowstone park ranger fends off charging grizzly bear

Video footage has surfaced showing a Yellowstone National Park ranger firing projectiles at a grizzly bear after the bruin had charged the officer as he was outside his vehicle attempting to control traffic.

Video footage has surfaced showing a Yellowstone National Park ranger firing projectiles at a grizzly bear after the bruin had charged the officer as he was outside his vehicle attempting to control traffic.

The footage, uploaded to Youtube on Monday by a user named Jaydog R, was captured late Friday, the same day a grizzly bear mauled a hiker near Mammoth Hot Springs in the northern portion of the park.

In the footage, the ranger is surprised by the male bear’s sudden charge and takes cover behind his truck and fires what presumably are rubber bullets at the bear.

The bear flees into the forest and is discouraged from reemerging by the ranger, now igniting louder explosive devices.

Park headquarters was closed Monday night and had not responded to an inquiry about the encounter at the time of this post. But photographer Deby Dixon told For The Win Outdoors that the footage was captured Friday evening south of Roaring Mountain, north of the Norris Geyser Basin.

Dixon, who said she obtained her information from a Yellowstone bear manager, stated Monday night on Facebook:

“This is why visitors should maintain their distance from the bears. This guy meant business!

“This boar had been following a [sow] around all day, in Yellowstone, and was reported to have charged about 6 cars throughout the day when people blocked the bear’s path.

“Apparently, the sow would cross the road and then people would pull their car up in front of the boar to get photos, blocking him from reuniting with his girlfriend. As you can see, getting between a grizzly and what he wants can be bad news.”

Yellowstone is packed with tourists as grizzly bears are at lower elevations, fresh out of hibernation, trying to feed in meadows and maneuver across roads that are sometimes lined with automobiles.

Park regulations state that tourists should give all animals space and stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, especially when outside their vehicles.

Dixon added: “Even after this boar charged the ranger, several visitors and photographers were standing along the road, watching the sow leave, despite not knowing where the boar had gone.”

Yellowstone hiker injured in grizzly bear attack

A hiker in Yellowstone National Park was attacked by one of two grizzly bears he encountered Friday morning near Mammoth Hot Springs.

A hiker in Yellowstone National Park was attacked by one of two grizzly bears he encountered Friday morning near Mammoth Hot Springs.

The unidentified 39-year-old male sustained “significant injuries” to his lower extremities but managed to hike out, according to a news release. The man was transported to Livingston Hospital in Montana.

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Beaver Ponds Trail, where the incident occurred, has been closed until further notice. The man, who was hiking alone, encountered the bears 1.5 miles from the trailhead at Old Gardiner Road.

The park, which did not disclose further details, reminds visitors to always have bear spray close at hand, to hike with others, and to make noise while on trails to help prevent surprise encounters.

–Grizzly bear image is generic

Yellowstone tourist charged by grizzly bear subject of probe

Yellowstone National Park is seeking the public’s help identifying a woman who approached dangerously close to a grizzly bear earlier this month, nearly prompting an attack.

Yellowstone National Park is seeking the public’s help identifying a tourist who approached dangerously close to a grizzly bear earlier this month, nearly prompting an attack.

The woman, who was not injured, can be seen in the accompanying footage trying to take photos of a momma bear and two cubs from a distance of less than 30 yards.

The bear responded by bluff-charging, a behavior intended to ward off potential threats. The frightened woman turned and quickly walked away, extremely fortunate that she did not inspire an actual attack.

The video footage was captured by Darcie Addington, a tourist who watched from inside a vehicle. The image atop this post was provided by the park.

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Park rules state that tourists must stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves whenever possible, especially while outside vehicles. Tourists who act recklessly around wildlife can be cited.

U.S. Park Rangers also are involved in the investigation.

The incident occurred May 10 at about 4:45 p.m. at Roaring Mountain. In a news release posted Tuesday on Facebook, the park stated:

“The unidentified woman is described as white, mid 30’s, brown hair, and wearing black clothing. If you were around Roaring Mountain on May 10, 2021 at 4:45PM, or you have information that could help, please contact NPS Investigative Services Branch at:

“Call or Text: 888-653-0009; Online: www.nps.gov/ISB; Email: nps_isb@nps.gov.”

Besides issuing distance guidelines pertaining to wildlife, Yellowstone constantly reminds tourists that they’re responsible for their own safety.

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Watch: Yellowstone grizzly bear charges reckless tourist

A woman watching grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park this past week was charged by one of the animals as she stood in the open, vulnerable to attack.

A Yellowstone National Park tourist who had been warned that she was dangerously close to grizzly bears was charged by one of the animals in a recent encounter caught on video.

The accompanying footage, captured by Darcie Addington from inside a vehicle and shared with NBC Montana, shows the bear in a bluff-charge behavior intended to clear a perceived threat.

NBC Montana reported that the bear closed well within 30 yards of the woman, who became frightened, turned her back on the animal, and quickly walked to safety.

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Addington said several people tried warning the unidentified woman that she was not giving the bears enough space.

Yellowstone regulations state that tourists, who are responsible for their own safety, must remain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of Jim Peaco/NPS

Is there a serial grizzly bear poacher on the loose in Idaho?

Authorities in Idaho are seeking help in locating the person who illegally shot and killed a grizzly bear last month, leaving its cub to die.

Authorities in Idaho are seeking help in locating the person who illegally shot and killed a grizzly bear last month, leaving its cub to die.

According to Idaho Fish and Game the bear was shot multiple times near the Pole Bridge Campground in Island Park between March 15-23.

It was the third killing of a grizzly bear in the same general area during the past eight months, and all three cases remain under investigation.

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Grizzly bears are protected in Idaho by state and federal law.

A reward of $40,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and a conviction in the most recent case.

“The loss of a reproductive female grizzly is a real tragedy,” Conservation Officer Doug Peterson said in a news release issued Monday. “Someone out there knows what happened to this bear and we are asking them to come forward and share that information with us.”

Idaho Fish and Game located the carcass after receiving a mortality signal from the bear’s GPS collar. Biologists visited momma bear’s den and found a 6- to 8-week-old cub “that also perished as a result of her death.”

The $40,000 reward is being offered by Citizens Against Poaching ($5,000), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ($5,000), and various NGOs ($30,000).

Idaho Fish and Game is asking anyone with information that might prove helpful in solving these cases to call its Upper Snake Regional Office 208-525-7290,  the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999, or to submit details online.  Callers can remain anonymous.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Grizzly bear killed after attack near Yellowstone National Park

A grizzly bear that attacked a 40-year-old man Thursday outside Yellowstone National Park was shot and killed the next day as wildlife officials investigated the scene.

A grizzly bear that attacked a 40-year-old man Thursday outside Yellowstone National Park was shot and killed the next day as wildlife officials investigated the scene.

The attack occurred south of Baker’s Hole Campground, three miles north of the town of West Yellowstone and the park’s West Entrance.

The unidentified man, who was transferred to Idaho Falls for treatment, was in serious condition as of late Friday. He was in possession of bear spray but it remained unclear whether any spray was used against the bear.

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department explained in a news release that seven investigators, including bear specialists, visited the attack site Friday and were met by a charging bear.

“Despite multiple attempts by all seven people to haze away the bear, it continued its charge,” the agency stated. “Due to this immediate safety risk, the bear was shot and died about 20 yards from the group. The bear was an older-age male grizzly.”

A moose carcass was discovered nearby, indicating that the bear was trying to defend its food source.

A safety closure remained in effect in the area as of late Friday.

With grizzly bears emerging from hibernation, and with warmer weather inviting more tourists into bear country, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks used the incident to remind visitors to follow these guidelines while in the wilderness:

• Be aware of your surroundings and look for bear sign.
• Read signs at trailheads and stay on trails. Be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush.
• Carry bear spray. Know how to use it and be prepared to deploy it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Yellowstone records first grizzly bear sighting of 2021

Yellowstone National Park has logged its first grizzly bear sighting of 2021, indicating that the end of the hibernation season is near.

Yellowstone National Park has logged its first grizzly bear sighting of 2021, indicating that the hibernation season is nearly over.

The bear, which was interacting with wolves at a large animal carcass, was spotted Saturday by a pilot conducting wildlife studies, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

Male grizzly bears typically begin to emerge from their dens in early March. Female grizzly bears with cubs emerge in April and early May.

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The bears will immediately try to fatten up on elk and bison that perished during the harsh winter.

“When bears first emerge from hibernation, they look for carcasses at lower elevations and spring vegetation in thermal meadows and south-facing slopes for nourishment,” said Kerry Gunther, a Yellowstone bear management biologist.

The park stated that bears “will react aggressively” toward intruders while feeding and urged visitors to stay at least 100 yards from the animals.

Visitors also should carry bear spray in case of surprise encounters.

–Grizzly bear image is courtesy of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone grizzly bear tries napping outside in heartwarming video

Footage showing an exhausted Yellowstone National Park grizzly bear attempting to nap in the snow has captured the hearts of viewers.

Footage showing an exhausted Yellowstone National Park grizzly bear attempting to nap outside its den has captured the hearts of viewers.

“Are you having trouble losing those unwanted, extra holiday pounds? Then ask your doctor if hibernation is right for you,” The U.S. Department of the Interior, joked in a video Facebook post.

The agency added that while most bears in Wyoming are hibernating and will lose up to one-third of their body weight before spring, “It’s possible to see one any time of the year.”

The footage, captured by Trent Sizemore Photography, was shared by the U.S. Department of the Interior on Wednesday.

The most popular comment: “It’s videos like this that make me forget that fluffy guy could tear off my face.”

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A sampling of others:

–“This snow-loving bear is my kindred spirit. After being in the awful humid heat of Houston, I’ve long wished for a bed of snow.”

–“I could watch this cutie all day.”

From the Trent Sizemore Photography post:

–“He was making a snow angel.”

–“Wish I could sleep and rest for a few months and then wake up skinny, not losing any muscle.”

Visitors to Yellowstone can expect male grizzly bears to emerge from hibernation beginning in mid-March. Females with cubs typically emerge in April or early May.

Black bears, which den at lower elevations, can emerge as early as late February.

–Image courtesy of the U.S. Department of the Interior, via Trent Sizemore Photography

Hunters react as huge momma grizzly towers over truck

Two hunters were stopped on a road recently by a momma grizzly that approached their truck and towered over them as they watched in awe.

Two hunters were stopped on a road recently by a momma grizzly bear that approached their truck and towered over them as they watched in awe.

“We were about to go on a deer hunt, but then saw the grizzly,” Justin Giesbrecht, who was with his father Ray, told For The Win Outdoors.

Giesbrecht captured the footage Oct. 31 near Edson in west-central Alberta, Canada. (Warning: The footage contains a profane word.)

It shows the massive bear approaching with three cubs, and reveals the hunters’ reactions as the bear stands on her hind legs, seemingly doubling in size.

“Oh … my gosh!” Giesbrecht says, in apparent disbelief.

“Did you get a picture?” Ray asks, nonchalantly.

Finally, momma bear lowers her stance, turns, and leads her cubs into the woods.

The footage was uploaded to YouTube on Monday by Viral Hog, which quotes Giesbrecht as saying, “We left the area out of respect for the grizzly family.”

Clearly, any subsequent deer hunt would have proved anticlimactic.

–Image courtesy of Viral Hog via Justin Giesbrecht

Yellowstone tourists react as wolves gang up on grizzly bear

A tour group in Yellowstone National Park on Friday experienced a “once-in-a-lifetime” sighting of an adult grizzly bear being harassed by a pack of wolves.

A tour group in Yellowstone National Park on Friday experienced a “once-in-a-lifetime” sighting of a large grizzly bear being harassed by wolves.

The accompanying footage, captured by Adam Brubaker of the Tied to Nature guide service, shows the large bear wandering across a meadow and suddenly realizing other critters were in its midst.

The bear stands on its hind legs as two wolves of the Wapiti Lake Pack appear in the foreground. Rather than turn back, the bear runs in the wolves’ direction.

One of four tourists in Brubaker’s group asks if the bear, by running, is trying to clear the wolves out of its territory.

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The guide responds: “I think more than anything, he wants to know what it is, and what’s going on. That’s why he was standing up. It’s the same thing with people; they don’t want to be surprised by anything.”

Then more wolves emerge, and it becomes clear that they’re intent on clearing the bear out of their territory.

One of the tourists predicts the wolves will “attack him on both sides,” and several begin to harass the bear. At one point as many as 10 wolves can be seen chasing and nipping at the bear, as it fights back while reluctantly fleeing toward the trees.

“Y’all,” an astonished tourist remarks.

“Bear, why didn’t you move when you had the chance?” another tourist bemoans.

Once at the tree line the confrontation seems over, with Brubaker explaining that the wolves were simply escorting the bear from the meadow.

On Facebook he wrote, “I had the awesome opportunity to share this once-in-a-lifetime wolf and grizzly sighting while on tour in Yellowstone today.”

Brubaker told For The Win Outdoors that he was not sure if the wolves were acting in this manner to protect nearby cubs, or guarding a fresh carcass.

“From what I could see the pups were not with them,” he said. “The white wolf [seen in the video] has blood on her face and neck, so there could have been a carcass, but while I watched them they were not feeding on one.”

Brubaker captured the footage in Hayden Valley, one of Yellowstone’s premier wildlife viewing areas.