Originally, I meant to spend a night in the Tetons and then continue south to the Great Sand Basin National park, but I caught 399 fever and really wanted to see her.
GTNP is so much more than the grizzly bears with stunning landscapes of mountain reflections and wildflowers, or iconic buildings against the mountains. And then, of course, there are moose, beavers, foxes, marmots, ground squirrels and some times even wolves. The bear sightings have been kind of slow these days and so some are spending time with the many marmot families. We even watched one mom move her small babies.
And, the elk action was pretty darned good, with a beautiful herd that stayed in Willow Flats and spent some time crossing the road.
But, the high light of my trip was 399. Though, I did get to see 610 and her two yearlings as well and they were looking great.
I did not have much hope for any photo ops of 399 on my last day as she was grazing in a field, far from the road. But, I happened to be in the right place at the right time when she made a move and was able to angle my car in a way that enabled me to photograph her and the cub as they passed by. It was quick, way too quick, as they were in a hurry. And, we don’t know where they went but did wait and wait for them, hoping for some wildflower/grizzly shots.
It was a great trip to the Tetons – filled with bears and so much more.
As for Yellowstone? I did see the Lamar Canyons last night – way off in the distance. They are reported to have headed east after I left. Still waiting to see if they have pups.
And, found a fox at the Yellowstone Picnic area tonight, which was a super big thrill.
From what I have been told, there are three sets of grizzly moms with COY hanging around the Swan Lake Flat area, or a little south. And, I have heard reports that 815 has lost another cub.
Sightings of the Wapitis have been sparse, according to a friend. 755 and the yearling have been seen quite often but not mom and the pups.
The sow with three coy in Hayden has not been seen for awhile. But, the sow and two coy in Little America are still doing well.
