Photo by Steven Shankie
According to the National Park, Yellowstone grizzly bears have begun emerging from their dens in the park.
Yellowstone officials first reported grizzly activity this spring when employees observed a grizzly on March 12th in the north central area of the park. Shortly after the first spotting, fresh tracks were found near the main Old Faithful area. And just a week after, more activity was reported in Shoshone National Forest.
As the bears come out of their den, they immediately begin searching for food, which can lead to more aggressive behavior. Within the park, they are often known to look for carcases of bison who have died over the winter. Visitors and hikers are advised to continue to practice proper bear safety.
As the park requires, it is best to stay 100 yards away from both black and grizzly bears. When in the backcountry, hikers should be in groups of three or more and make noise as well as carry bear spray.
Yellowstone experienced two deaths from grizzly maulings this past summer. In both cases, a sow grizzly was linked to the incidents and was euthanized.
I can’t imagine coming face to face with an aggressive bear. We are in their territory and should take steps to protect ourselves as well as the bears. I feel when hiking in the wilderness with bears it should be mandatory to carry bear spray. Most bears attack because they have been startled or have cubs.
I have been to Yellowstone and I am so happy to see that the grizzlies are doing well. It is always a terrible shame to hear of someone being attacked or killed by a bear. But, I wish the bears could be more protected. So many people take unnecessary chances to get that one in a life time photo of a bear with cubs which always leads to a mauling. Sows are very protective of their young. I love hikking, but we took extra precautions to make noise and be sure everything around us heard us.
I think its unfair to euthanize a bear when its protecting its off spring. I think people should be more responsive and make noise to protect themselves from startling a bear with cubs, or one that is protecting its food. People, please remember, you are visiting they’re home, respect it as you would yours.Stop killing our BEARS!!!