JACKSON, Wyo. — As we transition into spring, it’s the time of year when outdoor recreationists are reminded to dust off their bear spray and begin adding it to their gear list. Bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are waking up, and they’re hungry.
Buckrail reader and local wildlife guide, Bucky Bukowitz, captured this video of a grizzly bear in northern Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) last week on March 15 heading north towards Yellowstone National Park.
Bukowitz’s sighting occurred shortly before the first 2021 Yellowstone grizzly bear was spotted by helicopter in the first national park.
Grand Teton National Park announced a backcountry area closure last week as more bears are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation.
According to the Park Service, approximately fifty percent of adult male grizzly bears are awake by mid-March, and females with young usually emerge anytime between April and mid-May. Bears will be looking for food, including winter-killed carcasses in avalanche paths and other areas.
The park is reminding backcountry travelers to be alert, aware of the surrounding area, and carry bear spray. Black and grizzly bears may be located anywhere within the park, including developed areas. All park visitors should carry bear spray and maintain a minimum of 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife.
