Teton County, Wyoming — Father to many of the young cubs in Grand Teton National Park, Grizzly Bear 679, affectionately known as Bruno made his first appearance of the spring season as he sauntered across a roadway much to the joy of Western Wyoming based photographer and videographer T. Lyn Neufeld. Widely regarded as the alpha male grizzly in the region of the park, Bruno is elusive but easily recognizable to the trained eye from his incredible size and battle scars on his face.
“The man, the myth, the legend, Bruno! Grizzly 679 making an appearance in Grand Teton tonight! Close to where I’m camping, doors will be locked, haha. He’s a bruiser.” -T. Lyn Neufeld
As a reminder to anyone planning to visit Grand Teton National Park in coming weeks, the park’s grizzly and black bears are waking up. You may well encounter a bear anywhere at anytime from here on out to autumn. Be aware that some of the most popular areas and trails pass through excellent bear habitat. Your safety cannot be guaranteed. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91m) away from bears and wolves, including when you are in your vehicle. Learn more about bears, safe bear viewing and how to properly use bear spray at Safety in Bear Country.
Grand Teton Spring Wildlife Safety Guidelines:
Wildlife, especially females with young, are unpredictable and dangerous. Be alert for wildlife and keep a safe distance.
- Stay safe while watching Grand Teton’s wildlife. They are wild and dangerous.
- Roadside viewing is popular, but please keep the road clear. Use pullouts or pull completely off the roadway to the right of the white line.
- It is illegal to feed any wildlife, including birds, ground squirrels, bears, or foxes. Wildlife start to depend on people, resulting in poor nutrition and aggressive behavior. If fed, any animal may become unhealthy, bite you, expose you to rabies, or need to be killed.
- Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a good view. Never position yourself between a female and offspring, mothers are very protective. Let wildlife thrive undisturbed. If your actions cause an animal to flee, you are too close.
