Early Summer Bear Activity in Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone Day Tours
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Breaking Bear News.
One of the most anticipated animals on any wildlife tour in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the grizzly bear. This May, early summer bear activity in Grand Teton National Park made local headlines, and we're here to give the Yellowstone Day Tours perspective!
Grizzly Bear Sow Loses 2 Cubs
Grizzly bear 1063's family of four had been spotted near the roadside in Grand Teton National Park for several weeks in April and May, attracting visitors, photographers, and guides. The three cubs were the 8-year-old sow's (female) first litter. On May 13th, 1063 was again visible near the road, but had no cubs with her. The same day, Park staff discovered the carcasses of two cubs near Colter Bay. Signs indicated that the cubs had been killed by a large bear. While this may be upsetting for fans of this particular bear and for wildlife lovers in general, it is not uncommon. Male grizzlies may attempt to kill cubs to put female bears back into estrus so they can mate again. National Park Service Bear Biologist Justin Schwabedissen stated, “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.”
A piece of good news came on May 15th when grizzly 1063 was spotted reunited with her 3rd cub. We look forward to seeing this pair throughout the summer and fall, and hope to see them emerge from the den again next spring!
Grizzly Bear Hunts Elk Calf
On the morning of May 29, visitors to Grand Teton had quite the show when two grizzlies fought over an elk calf carcass that the female bear had killed just before. The sow, known as grizzly 610, is the daughter of one of the park's most famous former bears, grizzly 399. Following the carcass confrontation, the male bear courted 610, and they mated. While the lives and actions of wildlife, especially top predators like grizzlies, can sometimes seem shocking to us, it is important to remember that they are wild animals. Their goals are to survive and pass on their genetics to the next generation, and their actions dictate this. We are lucky to have the opportunity to view these incredible animals in early summer in their natural habitat, and to share it with our guests.
Experience summer bear activity and other wildlife of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks with an expert local guide on a summer tour with Yellowstone Day Tours! Book your seat today before the busy season hits!
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