JACKSON, Wyo. — Bon appétit!
Bears are making their annual pilgrimage to the Moose-Wilson corridor to forage on seasonally abundant berries. Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer glimpsed a black bear ready to tuck in on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Hawthorn and chokecherry shrubs line Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). This provides a veritable buffet for bears in hyperphagia, the phase in which they eat heartily to put on weight for winter hibernation. During hyperphagia, bears are very active, seeking out food sources. According to the North American Bear Center, black bears can ingest 15,000 to 20,000 calories per day during hyperphagia. Residents and visitors should be extra diligent about securing attractants, including bird feeders, pet food, livestock feed, compost, BBQ grills and garbage.
Sulzer glimpsed a second black bear along the road, also appearing to be in pursuit of an al fresco dining experience. Those planning to drive Moose-Wilson Road for bear-watching purposes should follow these guidelines shared by the park in years past:
- Follow direction from park staff managing bear viewing along the roadway.
- Where posted, remain inside the vehicle. Observe bears while driving by slowly.
- In many areas, parking is restricted. Please respect all no-parking zones.
- Respect temporary closures established to provide bears the space they need to forage.
- Slow down. Bears frequently cross the roadway.
- Be patient. Help GTNP provide bear viewing opportunities for everyone while minimizing disturbance of foraging bears.
