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Massive grizzly bear dwarfs storage shed; questions are raised

Images showing a giant grizzly bear dwarfing a storage shed while scratching its back on the structure have raised questions.

Photos showing an enormous grizzly bear dwarfing a storage shed while scratching its back on the structure have raised questions.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks used the images in a quiz that asked followers to guess whether this was a grizzly bear or black bear. But the answer was clearly visible in the description’s wording:

“Here is a helpful hint: Grizzly bears are generally larger than black bears and may be bigger than a small shed. Also, they can be distinguished by longer, curved claws, humped shoulders, and a face that appears to be concave.”

ALSO: Yellowstone guide saves motorist from momma grizzly bear’s wrath

If that wasn’t a giveaway, two hashtags mentioned grizzly bears and not one mentioned black bears. (See images below.)

Perhaps a better question was asked by the photographer, Jamie Goguen, who wondered on Facebook how much this grizzly bear might weigh.

Wrote Goguen: “Our old generator storage structure on Montana’s eastern front has become Brutus’s personal scratch tree. Then he took a nap.”

Goguen’s post generated more than 2,000 comments, mostly pertaining to the size of the bear. (The image showing the napping bruin reveals the telltale grizzly bear hump.)

Male grizzly bears are larger than females and can weigh up to 700 pounds. Black bears of the same sex and age class can be half the size of grizzly bears.

Grizzly bears are known to scratch against trees, power poles and other structures as a means of “scent marking” to communicate with other bears.

Connecticut angler lands massive, record-setting flounder

A Connecticut angler’s recent catch of a 15.3-pound summer flounder has established a state record for the species.

A Connecticut angler’s recent catch of a 15.3-pound summer flounder has established a new state record for the species.

The catch by Bill Proulx at Niantic Bay replaces the previous record of 14 pounds, 13.76 ounces, set in 2019.

Connecticut Fish and Wildlife announced the new record Wednesday via Facebook, asking followers to congratulate Proulx on his catch of an “awesome fish.”

Summer flounder are found in the western Atlantic from Maine to northeast Florida. They enter shallow water during the summer and are sometimes observed chasing baitfish in estuaries, bays and harbors.

Connecticut Fish and Wildlife did not provide details on the catch by Proulx, other than to add that it measured 32 5/8 inches and boasted a girth of 26 1/4 inches.

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For comparison, the world record for summer flounder stands at 22 pounds, for a catch off Montauk, N.Y., in 1975.

In describing summer flounder, the International Game Fish Assn. states on its website:

“The summer flounder is a left-eyed flatfish. The eyed side always blends in perfectly with the sea bed. There is usually a scattering of 10 to 14 eye-like spots on the body. As in other flatfish, the blind side is white and relatively featureless. The teeth are well developed on both sides of the jaws.”

A similar species on the West Coast is the California halibut.

Montana black bear hunter kills charging grizzly with handgun

A Montana hunter last week shot and killed a grizzly bear during a surprise close encounter in the Madison Range.

The hunter was targeting black bears in rugged terrain when the grizzly bear charged, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The hunter, who was not injured, killed the bear with a pistol.

Grizzly bears are under state and federal protection and the case is under investigation.

The hunter notified authorities on the same day, FWP stated in a news release, claiming that he shot the grizzly bear in self-defense.

ALSO: Rare footage shows massive python slithering through Kenya stream

The grizzly bear was a 15-year-old female known to researchers, with no history of human conflict. She did not appear to be with cubs, according to the hunter.

The bear died outside the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem but inside the Demographic Monitoring Area for the Yellowstone grizzly bear population.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Watch: Rescued otter masters the art of dunking a basketball

To the delight of visitors and her caregivers, a rescue otter at the Oregon Zoo excels at basketball.

To the delight of visitors and her caregivers, a rescue otter at the Oregon Zoo has mastered the art of dunking a basketball.

The accompanying footage shows Juno dunking through a hoop from several angles.

“Clam dunk! Rescued sea otter (and ottermatic all-star) Juno plays basketball to stay in shape,” the zoo boasted Monday via Twitter.

Clam dunk! Rescued sea otter (and ottermatic all-star) Juno plays basketball to stay in shape. pic.twitter.com/Oav85LSslZ

— Oregon Zoo (@OregonZoo) June 12, 2023

In a news release, the zoo explained that Juno’s training sessions help prevent stiffness and arthritis in her aging joints.

“Juno loves to play basketball,” said Nicole Nicassio-Hiskey, the zoo’s senior marine life keeper. “She gets so excited whenever we bring the ball out. And she’s good too!”

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Juno, 9, is one of three Oregon Zoo otters that were rescued as orphaned pups off California and rehabilitated at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Otters are famously playful, but at the Oregon Zoo, only Juno excels at hoops.

“If she chooses to, Juno can pick one of the balls up in her front paws and dunk it into her special basket,” the zoo boasted. “She also ‘dribbles’ the ball by swimming around the hoop with it.”

Of course, Juno is always rewarded for her efforts: “She ends each session with some of her favorite fresh seafood.”

Grizzly cubs definite stars of this Yellowstone ‘bear jam’

Brand new grizzly bear cubs were the obvious stars of a recent Yellowstone “bear jam” alongside a highway in the park’s northern range.

During a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park I was fortunate to have discovered a vantage point from which to observe a budding grizzly bear family at fairly close range.

The first video highlight shows two first-year cubs play fighting and momma grizzly stepping in with an affectionate head nudge.

(The footage, best viewed in full-screen, was captured safely from atop a steep embankment. Images are cropped, making the bears appear closer than they were.)

In the second clip, the same cubs discover the precarious nature of crossing a creek while trying to keep up with mom. (Cute bellyflops, anyone?)

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These were the first of several bears I would encounter during three days of exploration in the park’s northern range. I observed this family in early morning on Day 1 and in late afternoon on Day 2.

Momma bear foraged intently while the cubs mostly played and explored.

Naturally, the bears attracted crowds of tourists who jammed the highway. People rushed from vehicles to find vantage points and gaze at the bears with binoculars, zoom lenses, viewing scopes, and cellphone cameras.

A park bear management specialist explained that momma bears sometimes guide cubs close to roads to keep them safe from aggressive male bears. Male bears, known to kill cubs in the hope of mating with momma bears, tend to steer clear of park highways.

Grizzly cubs on a “time out” as mom inspects something nearby. Photo: ©Pete Thomas

The cubs of the year (COYs) were tiny, born during mom’s hibernation, likely in late January or early February.

Momma bear did not appear concerned about threats from the forest or the highway. Her cubs would run off for brief periods, but always scampered back to the safety zone that she represented.

At one point, as momma bear inspected something in the bushes, the pesky cubs were placed in what resembled a “time out” on a smooth rock.

Grizzly cubs nurse between play periods. Photo: ©Pete Thomas

In a touching moment during the first sighting, in smoky morning light, momma bear called the cubs into her embrace to nurse.

More than an hour into the second sighting, with dusk settling and the bear jam having reached absurd proportions, I decided to leave. (Bear management specialists were just beginning to “shut down” the viewing party.)

As I drove west, navigating around poorly parked vehicles, I looked down the embankment and saw the bears walking into cover. It was as if they had also experienced enough for one day.

–Images courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Nonresident Idaho hunter kills protected grizzly bear

A nonresident Idaho hunter is at the center of an investigation after he shot and killed a protected grizzly bear that he mistook for a black bear.

The incident occurred June 8 north of Upper Priest Lake in the Panhandle Region.

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the hunter reported his error soon after inspecting his kill and identifying the bear as a grizzly.

The hunter is said to be cooperating with the investigation.

Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law. Hunters are responsible for knowing the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. (See the accompanying chart.)

ALSO: Rare footage shows massive python navigating Kenya stream

On May 1 near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, a hunter killed a grizzly bear in another apparent case of mistaken identity.

Patrick M. Gogerty, 65, of Cody, Wyo., left the bear carcass alongside the North Fork Highway. Images of the carcass went viral before Gogerty turned himself in the next morning.

He was was charged with killing a protected grizzly bear without a proper license and faces up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine (plus restitution).

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Grand Teton launches probe after bison calf is harassed in park

Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is asking the public for help in identifying two men who were photographed harassing a bison calf.

A park news release states that the men were spotted approaching and touching the baby bison Sunday at about 1 p.m.

The news release contains the following advisory:

“If you were in the Elk Ranch Flats area on the afternoon of June 4, and have information that could help in this investigation, or if you know who these individuals are (pictured), please call the park Tip Line 307-739-3367. If you see any harassment of wildlife happening in the park, you may also call the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 to report the incident.”

Grand Teton National Park is hoping somebody can ID these men.

Park regulations require tourists to remain at least 25 yards from bison.

The same rule is in effect in Yellowstone National Park, just to the north, where more than 5,000 bison reside.

ALSO: Yellowstone guide saves motorist from momma grizzly bear’s wrath

Bison give birth to calves early each spring. They’re commonly referred to as “red dogs” because their coats are reddish in the first several weeks of their lives.

Approaching or touching bison is considered harassment. Grand Teton National Park explained:

“Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring. In this case, fortunately, the calf was successfully reunited with its herd, but often these interactions result in euthanizing the animal. Approaching wildlife can drastically affect their well-being and survival.”

–Top image showing a “red dog” bison is courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Yellowstone guide saves motorist from momma grizzly bear’s wrath

A grizzly bear cub was struck and killed just outside Yellowstone National Park last weekend, leaving behind an angry and confused momma bear.

A grizzly bear cub was struck and killed near Yellowstone National Park last weekend, leaving behind an angry and confused momma bear.

The incident occurred May 26 before dawn on U.S. 191. The driver wasn’t sure what he had struck but the collision badly damaged his truck.

According to Yellowstone Tour Guides, the driver somehow walked safely 200 yards to the tour company’s office, hoping to access a cellphone signal and call for help.

Guide David Reeves was outside preparing to pick up clients. He offered the man a ride back to his truck after the man had telephoned police and a towing company.

The man said he’d walk. But when Reeves reached the scene first he spotted the carcass of a 1-year-old grizzly bear on the highway and a clearly agitated momma bear.

“She was over the carcass and bluff-charged my vehicle,” Reeves told FTW Outdoors. “I immediately stopped and turned around, knowing that the man could not walk up to that.”

Grizzly bear family near a road this spring in Yellowstone. Photo: ©Pete Thomas

Reeves persuaded the man to accept a ride and, back at the scene, positioned the tour vehicle so the man could safely climb into his truck’s cab.

“His truck was undriveable,” Reeves said. “I told him to wait inside until the sheriff and tow truck arrived, that the bear would kill him [if he got out].”

Reeves added: “I did potentially save this man’s life, or at least save him from being severely injured. I’m not sure how he made it safely away from the scene [after the collision], walking down the road oblivious to the extreme danger.”

Reeves said that as he left to pick up his tour group, he spotted the grizzly sow walking away from the carcass up a hill. Soon afterward, a friend told him that police had arrived and that the carcass had been picked up.

Black bear mom and cubs alongside Yellowstone road. Photo: ©Pete Thomas

Yellowstone Tour Guides stated on Facebook: “We are glad our guide was there to help prevent this from becoming a much more serious incident.

“This was just an accident, and the man was not speeding, as he wasn’t stopped too much further than the carcass. It was dark which made it hard to see the bear darting across the road in time.”

Yellowstone National Park, in a news release, announced that two adult male black bears were killed two days later, also on U.S. 191 but inside the park.

The park added that an elk and bison also were struck recently, and urged visitors to exercise extreme caution while driving on park roads, especially at night.

Yellowstone tourist weighs options with bison next to boardwalk

A Yellowstone National Park tourist was caught on video weighing her options when a large bison appeared next to the boardwalk. Did she do the right thing?

You’re in Yellowstone National Park, walking toward the parking lot, when you encounter a large bison feeding only feet from the boardwalk.

Do you proceed and hope the bison ignores you? Do you wait for the bison to leave before continuing? Or do you climb through the boardwalk fence, opposite the bison, and risk descending a steep hill to the lot?

The accompanying footage, captured last week at the Petrified Tree landmark, shows a woman weighing options after climbing through the boardwalk fence.

She’s reluctant to descend the hill and ultimately chooses to climb back onto the wooden pathway – feet from the bison – with the hope that the massive animal would ignore her.

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A post shared by Pete Thomas (@solanapete)

Mission accomplished.

But it’s worth noting that a man was charged and gored last June while walking with his family on a boardwalk. (That boardwalk, unlike the Petrified Tree boardwalk, was not protected by fence rails.)

A few weeks earlier, a 25-year-old woman was gored and tossed 10 feet into the air after she approached within 10 feet of a bison near a boardwalk.

Yellowstone tourists are supposed to stay at least 25 yards from bison.

If they’re on a boardwalk, they’re advised to maintain that distance until it’s safe to pass. If the boardwalk is at a thermal feature such as Old Faithful, they should not leave the boardwalk.

But as anyone who has spent lots of time in the park knows, guidelines pertaining to bison and boardwalks are often ignored.

Watch: Giant alligator disrupts play at Florida golf course

A Florida news station has shared video footage showing a massive alligator disrupting practice on a golf course and hissing at players riding in a cart.

“Huge Florida Gator! We do golf a little different,” Matt Devitt, chief meteorologist at WINK News, stated Sunday via Twitter. “Check out this big guy playing through at a Florida course!”

The footage, credited to Dalton Mehrl, shows the alligator trampling a bin of practice balls. The gator then hisses from a cart path as golfers in a cart approach too closely.

HUGE FLORIDA GATOR! 🐊⛳
We do golf a little different. Check out this big guy “playing through” at a Florida course! Credit: @WINKNews viewer Dalton M. pic.twitter.com/K95h67Hres

— Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWINK) May 28, 2023

“He’s angry,” one of the golfers observes, repeatedly, as the group backs away.

The footage also shows the gator slow-stepping across the practice area before seemingly pausing to nap.

The size of the reptile is unclear but for those who might wonder: The Florida length record for alligators is 14 feet, 3-1/2 inches. The weight record (involving a different gator) is 1,043 pounds.