High above the tree line in the windswept peaks of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a staggering wildlife spectacle unfolds each August that very few human eyes ever get to witness. At an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet, dozens of grizzly bears, typically solitary and fiercely territorial animals, abandon their instinctual solitude to congregate on treacherous talus slopes for a caloric feast of titanic proportions.
The apex predators’ quarry isn’t elk or deer, rather millions upon millions of high-protein, high-fat army cutworm moths hiding deep within the loose mountain rocks. Last August renowned wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson journeyed deep into the remote high alpine backcountry and smashed his personal record by filming an astounding 42 grizzlies in a single morning.
“Every late summer, millions of army cutworm moths migrate from the plains to these alpine peaks, feeding on wildflower nectar before hiding deep in the rocky slopes above treeline during the heat of the day. Grizzly bears from all across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem know exactly where to find them—and they travel incredible distances to feast on these tiny insects, packing on critical fat before winter. What unfolds is the wildest day we have ever experienced in the United State and maybe one of the craziest days of our lives. Dozens of grizzlies. Multiple close encounters. Endless adventure.” -Casey Anderson
“Way above the tree line in the rugged Yellowstone backcountry, I found myself surrounded by bears in every direction. Huge boars. Sows. Young bears. More grizzlies than I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world in a single day. The craziest part is how peaceful it all was. The bears were so focused on feeding on army cutworm moths that old rivalries seemed to fade away. Massive bears feeding side by side in a way few people ever get to witness. But navigating through that many grizzlies takes patience, awareness, and respect. Sometimes the best move is to stop breathing, hold still, and let the mountain decide what happens next.” –Casey Anderson
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
All of Yellowstone is grizzly and black bear country, from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.
- Stay at least 100 yards from bears.
- Carry bear spray (and know how to use it).
- Hike in groups of 3 or more people.
- Know what to do if you encounter a bear.
- Respect closures and restrictions.
- Honk if a bear approaches your car.
- Deter bears while camping.
