"A Sand County Almanac"

"THERE ARE SOME WHO CAN LIVE WITHOUT WILD THINGS AND SOME WHO CANNOT."
"FOR US IN THE MINORITY THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GEESE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TELEVISION.".....Aldo Leopold



"LOOK DEEP INTO NATURE, AND THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING BETTER".....Albert Einstein


“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves”.....John Muir


Monday, June 28, 2021

GRIZZLY 399 WITH FOUR CUBS

 


For fans of 399 the year 2020 was nothing short of amazing. This legendary bear, 24 years old at the time, came out of hibernation with four tiny cubs in tow. We did not make our usual trip last year because of COVID-19 concerns and so we missed seeing the cubs, and the chaotic scene created by the record number of visitors.

We looked forward to our visit this year and made our reservations as early as possible. On our first full day in the park word reached us that 399 was visible near Leaks marina, we headed that way along with numerous others. As often happens, 399 and cubs had just wandered away from the road in an easterly direction.  Cheryl suggested that we explore the area at the end of Dump Road, an area where we had seen her in past years...


  Cheryl's intuition proved correct. We had barely arrived when 399 and cubs came into view. This time, instead of dealing with other folks, for a while we enjoyed watching them in solitude...




It is no exaggeration to say that we had grizzly bears feeding all around us. Each cub was searching for a tasty grub, ant, or root and paid us no mind as we sat quietly watching from our vehicle...


We have had many experiences with 399 in our previous trips to Grand Teton National Park. It is no wonder that her fame has spread and that so many travel great distances to see her...



After a while other folks arrived and our private time was over...


On another day, 399 was in the "willow flats" area teaching the cubs where to find elk calves...


At least 399 was hunting. The cubs were more interested in wrestling...





The games quickly stop when the scent of a boar is detected...


Boars will kill cubs to force the sow back into estrus in the hope that he will get to mate with her...



The prudent response to the arrival of a boar is to quickly leave the area...





Even 399 is joining the exodus...


When the bears go out of sight the search intensifies...



Some folks stop looking too soon...


 While others take advantage of every opportunity...


We had to forfeit half of our planned time in Grand Teton due to issues with our motorhome. As I write this, we are on day eleven of waiting for parts to arrive in Idaho Falls so we can get on with our trip to Yellowstone.

Thanks for visiting, be well, and come back soon.




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2 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 28, 2021 at 2:45 PM

    These are amazing pictures, Steve. So glad you were able to get some 'quality' time with 399 and her cubs. You could see a lot of personality showing through in those photos. I'll be looking at these repeatedly. Fingers crossed the parts come in and you can make it to Yellowstone!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. mitchJune 28, 2021 at 4:00 PM

    Darn, still waiting for parts? Hope you receive them soon. PS great pics

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