Print giveaway details at the bottom of post.
This beautiful sow had a yearling cub in tow last spring, the only survivor of a set of triplets from the year before, and I did not expect her to come out with new cubs this year because grizzlies normally keep their youngster for over two years. But, I had heard rumors of her being seen along, late last fall and wondered what the deal was. Well, she met a guy and got rid of the kid.
No doubt that she is a beauty!
The good news is that the now two year old has been seen in their old stomping grounds quite a lot before mom showed up and so is doing fine.
When the news came out early last week that there was a sow with three COY being seen in the area, I assumed it was a different bear because of the single one that had been seen. But, no, it was the gal that I got to watch a few times two years ago. There is no mistaking her beautiful, blonde face.
She desperately wants to get her cubs across the road and the river but between having so many admirers and the cubs not wanting to swim, things are not working out so well. Those two in front did swim across yesterday but when mom went to get the little, screaming runt (have you ever heard a bear cub scream? Hefty lungs for such small cuteness) they followed her back across and the mission had to be abandoned. Several more times during the day she tried to get them to swim but three little cubs screaming is quite a fiasco, even above the roar of the river.
The above photo was taken right after the bear came back out of the river after attempting to convince the cubs to cross. That cub looks ticked off about her suggestion. She looks a little weary but unperturbed by the dirty look.
And, here, once again, mama waded out into the river as the kids looked on. You should have heard the screaming! She got another dirty look upon her return so the first was not a coincidence.
It is fun to watch the new cubs interacting with the environment. Making their way downhill is a big deal. They most likely have only been out of the den a week so it is all new.
But, as they get used to things the cubs become more and more playful with one another. This is one thing I have not gotten to see much of because frequently there is only one cub with no playmates. More frequently, they are not close enough to witness, and out in the open. The unfortunate circumstance of not getting across the river really has afforded photo ops that I have never had a chance to get before. There is always a tradeoff.
Some times the cubs are playing, other times fighting and other times showing each other affection. Just love this image of the two cubs holding paws on the log.
And some times they are just hanging out, sitting like little Buddha bears. I have actually witnessed the cubs wiping their hands after having a bit to eat.
One of the biggest treats is getting to watch the cubs nurse. This is also something I have seen little of – usually the bears go and hide or turn their backs. But not this one, she just plops down and opens her arms and the kids climb on.
The nursing scenes fill me with calm.
And there are the cute moments as well, such as the cub standing up, looking over the log, with its tongue out.
And the tender moments when mom is looking at her cubs while they all sit in the road and decide what to do next.
The thing that intrigues me the most is that despite the cute cubs, I am most attracted to the beauty of mama.
Once the bears get across the river they will most likely be viewable for several weeks, at different times during the day. Viewing will be tougher due to trees and some time distance, but the bears will be safer. Due to this, I am not answering questions that pertain to the bear’s location but will gladly do so when they have crossed the river. I am guessing that it won’t be hard for people to find out but just don’t feel comfortable being a part of that. The bear’s are not safe right now and they have a monumental task ahead of them. But soon.
Meanwhile, cute cub pics.
And, last but not least, I have many favorite pics of the bears and too many to post here, but my favorite family image is this one.
FREE PRINT GIVEWAY! All paid members of the Yellowstone Daily will be given a chance to win a free print of the bears. You can choose any one of the images in the post for a free 8 x 12 or 11 x 14, depending on the image format.
All you have to do to enter is be a paying member and leave a comment on this post, guessing how many images I took of these bears in two days. Yes, two day and just these bears. So, join, enter and guess – it is simple and could be rewarding.
Good luck!
Oh yes, duh! I’m a little slow. How many pics? 2100 at least!
I was just thinking that I never found out how many you took the last time I guessed, so I won’t know how far off I was last time to help me this time, but I’m all about getting a free print from you. I would guess you took at least 3500 per day, so I’m going to say 7200 over 2 days. Now that I’ve said that, I’m going to look back to see how many of the wolves you actually took. Keep taking pics, because It helps me pretend I’m there. Thanks! Cindy
Your photos of the bear family are absolutely stunning ?.
I guess you took 3200 photos of them.
Now fingers crossed for the three cubs, hopefully they all survive.
Ilse
Great photos!!! I would have to guess 2750 pictures 🙂
Beautiful Mama bear and those cubs are something else…great shots. I would say 2350 images over your 2 days.
These pictures are absolutely fabulous! I can look at them over and over and see so much. Especially though you have captured their “bearness”. Those cubs sure look feisty though! I enjoyed each photo. Thank you for sharing! How many? Ummm, 1,025.
So wish I could be there to see these bears, but your pictures are the next best thing. Love, love, love all the pics and bet you took at least 3275! Thanks for sharing!
Derby,
My guess for the contest is 6,400 photos.
My guess is 3289 photos. We made it over the pass yesterday and are watching the JBs at Slough. See you soon.
What a beautiful mamma bear! She looks so calm and serene, watching over her cubs. Those babies are adorable, and what fun you must be having watching their antics. Thank you, Deby, for posting so many great photos. My guess would be 1,750. I’ll be curious to see what the actual total was!
Thanks for sharing these Deby, Wonderful pictures of a beautiful bear and her family. So glad you got to spend some time with her but also very glad to read the park has closed down the area for her and her cubs. My guess is 4850 photos.
Awesome shots. I’ll guess 2742 just because they are extra cute!
Beautiful Mama and cubs. my guess is 2510 ?
Lovely photos!???
Beautiful pictures! Never too many of such beautiful wildlife. I will guess 2500 photos.
Thanks Deby for the great pictures. I saw these bears on Saturday and have really bonded to them. So I’m thankful for the updates. Hope they are ok. I would guess about 2,000 pictures.
Fantastic pictures! Thank you for sharing not only the pics but also the story. Mama bear is a real beauty and her cubs are absolutely cute -I would have taken thousands of pictures. ..
I guess you took 2964 pics.
Great photos, Deby, thanks for sharing – not quite as good as seeing them in person, but next best thing. I’m guessing you took about 2400 photos.
Deby, I so appreciate you championing wildlife appreciation and education through your wonderful stories and photos! Each time I view and read they make me so thrilled that someone like you cares for our national parks and wilderness. You are a great example to all. Thank you . Oh, I would say about 1,025 pics – at least :0
Oh, those cubs are adorable. but look at those claws on them already!. I’m going to guess 5500 photos.
I love these pictures, but most of all I love the way you describe the daily life of these beautiful creatures. I guess your picture count was 856 shots.
I have to agree–while the cubs are absolutely adorable–the mother captivates me with her beauty. If I were there I would have taken at least 200 pictures–I’m sure you took at least that many!!! 🙂
Beautiful!!! Love all of these. I guess you took 2500 pictures in 2 days. It would be easy to do!
Oh I enjoyed having my tea, while looking at each of your images. What beauty…and each one capturing a different expression. I agree…a perfect illustration of Nature’s “‘mother’s day”! My guess for # of shots….4,111. Thank you for taking the time to go through and choose your favorites and share them with all of us that love your work. Nothing better than stories of the Yellowstone. Much appreciated.
Well, if you’re like me and snap at everything, I’d say two days with these cuties would result in about 10,000 images that I’d have to weed through! Beautiful pics as always!
What spectacular pictures!!!!!! I bet you shot at least 3000 pictures of them!!! I will say 3800
I believe you took 6789 images in two days. The family is just beautiful and I would have a lot of photo disks full of their walkabouts and antics if I was there. Wonderful captures and thank you for sharing for those that can’t be in the park. I so love your page.
I’m not entering the contest, but wanted to say What Beautiful photos of the mom and cubs. I throughly enjoyed seeing them through your lens. Thanks Deby!
Thank you Steve.
What a beautiful mom and adorable cubs! You have the life I can only dream of! My guess is 2,635.
Oh Deby, you already know how much I love your bear pictures. These photos are exceptional. Love every single one of them. I am so happy for you getting to live and enjoy all that you do with Mother Nature as your canvas. These pictures are a fine representation of what Mothers Day is about. 1869 photos taken. Enjoy!
Awesome pics Deby! Thank you for capturing this family. I would guess 3750 shots of the Bears. Hopefully I’m close!! Have a great day! Angie
I love being greeted in the AM with your photos of this bear family. I was way off the mark guessing how many photos you took of the wolf last time so I think I need to up my number. I’m going to guess you took 3,637 pictures!
what beautiful pictures. and a wonderful family. i would have to say 2353 pictures
Great pictures Debbie. I especially like one of the shots at the end that you titled ‘All In the Family’.
I’m guessing you took about 1200 shots of the bears in 2 days.
Thanks for helping us see YNP while we are gone.
Love the bears Deby…they are soo cute. I would say you took about 3450 pictures of these cuties.
OMG, all these pictures are so great Deby. You had a wonderful day with such great photo ops.. All the good karma is coming back to you! Keep up the awesome posts! Thanks for the excellent write ups too. You really rock!
Cyndi, did you want to enter the print giveaway? Make a guess.
Yes, I want to enter the print giveaway. Number of photos taken = 7200!