Grizzly bears are skilled fishermen, especially along Alaska’s southern coast in places like Katmai National Park where they famously feast on seasonal salmon runs, with dominant males catching up to 30 fish in a single day.
Inland grizzlies, like those in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (which includes Grand Teton National Park) don’t have the same access to marine-based food. Their diets are typically composed of about 67% plants, 15% invertebrates, 11% mammals, and the remaining 7% are comprised of fish and fungi.
Grizzly bears fishing on ice is not something often heard about and very rarely witnessed. There have been observations of grizzlies appearing to use breathing holes to hunt for seals on ice of the far north, but actual ice fishing is not a well documented behavior. That is why this video taken this week from the frozen shores of the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park is quite remarkable as it shows a grizzly bear attempting to ice fish. The bear looks to have been successful in its pursuit until the ice gives way under its considerable weight and it ends up in the water.
Both grizzly bears and black bears can be found throughout Grand Teton National Park. They typically do their best to avoid humans, but may act aggressively if they feel themselves, their young, or their food source is threatened. Bears should always be given plenty of space and visitors to Grand Teton should always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Read more on bear safety in Grand Teton below.
Grand Teton National Park Bear Safety:
If you encounter a bear:
- DO NOT RUN. Bears can easily out run any human. Running may elicit attacks from non-aggressive bears.
- If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly.
- If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone or not at all.
- Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Do not drop your pack – this teaches bears how to obtain human food. Your pack can also protect your body in the case of an attack.
- Do not climb trees – all black bears and some grizzly bears can also climb trees.
The vast majority of bear attacks have occurred when people surprised a bear. In this situation the bear may attack as a defensive maneuver. The bear may be protecting young or defending a carcass.
If a bear charges you:
- DO NOT RUN. Some bears will bluff their way out of a threatening situation by charging, then veering off or stopping suddenly.
- Bear experts generally recommend standing still until the bear stops and then slowly back away.
- If you have bear spray this is the time to use it!
- If the bear makes contact with you, drop to the ground and lie flat on your stomach with your legs spread apart slightly and play dead. Cover the back of your neck with your hands. Keep your pack on to protect your back. Do not move until you are certain the bear has left.
