On Tuesday morning, two yearling grizzly bear carcasses were found approximately 250 yards apart in a closed area south of Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park. Both bears showed signs of an attack by a larger bear.
Law enforcement and wildlife staff conducted extensive patrols after the discovery to monitor bear activity, focusing on the Colter Bay developed area, Highway 89, Leeks Marina, AMK Ranch, and surrounding locations.
One lone adult grizzly bear with red ear tags was observed by park staff in the vicinity during the patrols. The bear was identified as GB1063, a mother who had been observed with her yearling cubs in recent weeks. No cubs were spotted with her during this sighting.
“Bears exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors influenced by their biological needs, social structures, and environmental factors. While it is incredibly sad to see a grizzly bear lose its cubs, depredation by other bears is a natural source of cub mortality in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and has previously occurred in Grand Teton.” – Grand Teton National Park Bear Biologist Justin Schwabedissen
Evidence shows that a male grizzly bear in the area likely led to the separation of the yearlings from GB1063 and was responsible for the killing. GB1063’s third yearling has not been spotted, dead or alive.
Visitors are reminded to stay bear aware, carry bear spray, maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, and report bear sightings to park rangers. More information on bear safety in Grand Teton National Park is available here.
Park staff continue to monitor the area and remind visitors to remain bear aware: carry bear spray, maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, and report any bear sightings to a park ranger. Read more on bear safety in Grand Teton National Park below.
Grand Teton National Park Bear Safety:
Bear behavior is complex. Like people, bears react differently to each situation.
Bears may appear tolerant of people and then attack without warning. A bear’s body language can help you determine its mood. In general, bears show agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their teeth. Lowered head and laid-back ears also indicate aggression.
Bears may stand on their hind legs or approach to get a better view, but these are not necessarily signs of aggression; the bear may not have identified you as a human yet.
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.
In rare cases, bears have attacked at night or after stalking people. These attacks are very serious: it may mean the bear sees you as prey. If you are attacked at night or if you feel you have been stalked and attacked as prey, fight back. Use your bear spray, shout, and try to intimidate the bear with a stick or rock. In this type of situation, do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey.
