GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — They say good things come in threes.
That was certainly the case for photographer Susan Winfree on Sunday when she encountered a grizzly bear and two offspring out for a jaunt in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).
Grizzlies are emerging from their long winter’s rest in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
“Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in early March,” Yellowstone National Park shared on March 10 after this year’s first grizzly sighting in the park. “Females with cubs emerge in April and early May.”
GTNP advises the following in the event of a bear encounter:
- DO NOT RUN. Bears can easily outrun any human. Running may elicit attacks from non-aggressive bears.
- If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly.
- If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone or not at all.
- Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Do not drop your pack — this teaches bears how to obtain human food. Your pack can also protect your body in the case of an attack.
- Do not climb trees — all black bears and some grizzly bears can also climb trees.
Thank you to Susan Winfree for submitting this amazing photo! She has a knack for catching impressive wildlife moments. Buckrail loves reader-submitted photos. Send snaps to tips@buckrail.com.
