We started out in the dark with a fawn just outside our driveway, the start of a good day. We saw a large bull elk along the Madison on our way to Hayden to look for the Wapiti wolves. Nothing in Hayden so we kept going to the south and east. At the corner by Fishing Bridge there were several photographers with big lenses pointed towards the trees. We had seen a great grey owl in this area a couple years ago so we pulled over. Sure enough it was posing nicely on a branch of a fallen tree. After getting a great look through the scope and a couple of so-so photos we headed east. There were swans on the lake near the shore giving us a nice view. As we rounded a curve approaching Lake Butte Overlook, Karen called out, "Bears on the hill."
There were four grizzlies on the side of the hill. It took a minute but we figured out it was "Snow" and her two yearling cubs and her younger sister, Jam. Snow was approaching Jam apparently letting her know to stay back from her cubs. Jam did not seem terribly concerned but did alter her route a bit to move higher on the hillside. Snow returned to her cubs and they started moving east behind the edge of the hill near the road. We started driving east and we could see Snow peering over the edge of the hill looking down at the road. As there now were a number of vehicles pulled off the road she retreated out of sight.
We then decided the best view might be from the Overlook drive so we headed there. When we parked, Snow and her cubs appeared below us, but then we saw two additional bears running away from them. We quickly realized this was Raspberry, the mother of Snow and Jam, and her cub-of- year. She found a place to stop and watch what Snow and her cubs were doing. They stopped and began digging and eating roots. Raspberry and her cub found a log to lay down behind and watch Snow. Then Jam appeared trailing Snow.
We now had 6 grizzlies in view at once! After about 20 minutes Raspberry seemed to relax and got up and moved slowly out into the open. She and the cub began digging and eating as well. Jam decided to move off on her own actually crossing the road an began eating on the other side.
We can only speculate why Raspberry was running away from Snow, her daughter. Perhaps she was protecting her COY from Snow's yearlings. Anyway it was really neat to see the whole family together. Another great day in Yellowstone!
Oct 12 Grizzly Family Reunion; GGO
Re: Oct 12 Grizzly Family Reunion; GGO
Wow, that's awesome! I just missed that GGO this evening on a day trip. Got there a few minutes too late.
Re: Oct 12 Grizzly Family Reunion; GGO
Wow, that is soo cool! Thanks for sharing. We're going to do a little "drive through" of Yellowstone/Grand Teton early next week and now I'm thinking I should make an effort to go out to Lake Butte overlook -- and watch especially near Fishing Bridge (would LOVE to see a GGO). Really appreciate you posting!
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Re: Oct 12 Grizzly Family Reunion; GGO
Dorothy,
It is so good to hear from you. It has been a while. Hope all is well with you. We hope you enjoy your upcoming trip and get to see lots of wildlife. We had a black bear walk down the road as we were driving from Hayden to Canyon the other day. Wolves are being seen out in Lamar, Hellroaring, and near Blacktail ponds. However, as usual, they come and go.
Bill and Karen
It is so good to hear from you. It has been a while. Hope all is well with you. We hope you enjoy your upcoming trip and get to see lots of wildlife. We had a black bear walk down the road as we were driving from Hayden to Canyon the other day. Wolves are being seen out in Lamar, Hellroaring, and near Blacktail ponds. However, as usual, they come and go.
Bill and Karen
Re: Oct 12 Grizzly Family Reunion; GGO
Thanks! It's good to be back -- had a few issues but things are fine now. We are looking forward to the drive-through and nice to know where some things are being seen. We aren't going in with a lot of expectations -- just figuring on enjoying seeing the park at a different time of year. HOWEVER, we wouldn't mind a bear walking down the road .., or a grizzly (or two) on the hillside ... or a wolf ... or a GGO ... or anything else!
Hope you are well and happy and I'll try to let y'all know how the trip went when we get home!
Hope you are well and happy and I'll try to let y'all know how the trip went when we get home!