GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) has announced that its staff found two grizzly bear carcasses in a closed area south of Colter Bay, both showing signs of “depredation by a larger bear.”
The yearling bears were found about 250 yards apart on Tuesday morning, according to the park. GTNP’s investigation of the area found a lone adult grizzly bear, identified as grizzly 1063, who had been seen frequently with her three yearling cubs. GB1063 is believed to be the offspring of bear 793, known as “Blondie.”
“Based on observed behavior and evidence, it is likely that a male grizzly bear in the area led to the separation of the yearlings from GB1063 and was responsible for the depredation,” GTNP’s announcement reads. “The status of the third yearling remains unknown.”
GTNP added that 1063 and her cubs had been observed in the developed and residential areas in Colter Bay, leading staff to haze the bears away from roadways and buildings. After every hazing event, the park noted, 1063 and her cubs stayed together. When park staff saw her on Tuesday, she was alone.
“Bears exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors influenced by their biological needs, social structures and environmental factors,” GTNP Bear Biologist Justin Schwabedissen said in a statement. “While it is incredibly sad to see a grizzly bear lose its cubs, depredation by other bears is a natural source of cub mortality in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and has previously occurred in Grand Teton.”
GTNP staff will continue to monitor the area, the park said. Visitors are reminded to carry bear spray and to give wildlife plenty of space. Report any bear sightings to a park ranger.
The news arrives a week after another well-known GTNP grizzly, 1058, was found dead in the park, likely due to a vehicle strike.
