Well, it was finally a good bear day with a sow and three cubs up close. And, I am here to tell you, they are super cute.
This gorgeous mama and her three cubs spent a good portion of the day trying to cross the road, hoping to get to the other side of the river, but failed.
There were just too many cars and people. And, some people just did not want to give her space. Even for us it was tough – the want of the photo and the needs of the bears. One photographer, Daryl, put his camera down and stopped traffic. Others followed suit and several of us tried hard to get the bear some space but she is also battling the elements of the rising river. Her cubs are too small to get across on their own.
Two years ago the Beryl sow had the same problems with crossing the river and two of her cubs were washed downstream. We are hoping for a better story for her this year.
Law enforcement did arrive this afternoon and they did a great job with balancing our enjoyment with the bears and trying to care for the bear’s needs. Obviously, law enforcement would not know the habits of the bears and so some were frustrated with them because if she could have crossed the bridge, life would have been good. But, no one knew. And so she was in the same predicament tonight as last night, on the wrong side of the road.
Here are some more pics of her. The only other thing I know of today is that 712 of the Canyons was near Madison. Oh, I have heard that there is another grizzly sow with three cubs near Blacktail. That makes four! One at Slough, one in Lamar, this one and the Blacktail one. And, there is a black bear with two cubs near Hell Roaring.
I spent the entire day with Beryl and her younguns and it was worth the time.
Stunning pictures of these gorgeous animals.
Thank you for sharing!
Ilse
Indeed you are blessed, as I’ve stated before!! You enjoy that, and what makes it a double blessing is that you share it w/ us. Due to health concerns w/ my husband, I feel certain I’ll never return to Yellowstone again, but thru your eyes and your words, I’m “there”!! Thank you so very much. And, of course as others said, those cubs are just precious. Can’t get over the size of their claws already!!!! Must say tho, poor mom looks “distressed”, or am I reading too much in the look on her face?
Sue?
I agree…I feel like I am right there with you. Fantastic shots. I hope they all stay safe.
Once again, your photography “takes me there”. Thank you. What a lovely family…I love the white markings on the little ones….you captured them beautifully and I appreciate your time, talent and patience. Thank you!
Simply AWESOME Deby!
Deby,
You mentioned the location of the other three Grizzly families but didn’t mentioned location of Beryl and her cubs. My wife and I will be in the park on May 21st for the week.
Hope to see them all and maybe our paths will cross too.
Thanks for keeping us informed on the happenings in the park.
Carey and Pam Scroggins