July 29, 2011

Bear Management

We stopped at this Antelope Valley overlook as evening shadows were creeping over the meadow.  We had seen bear watchers with scopes here before. 
The sign hints that bears might be present.
What's that down in the valley?  Yes, definitely a bear.  A grizzly, with his humped shoulders and dished face.  He was about 400 yards away, a good safe distance.  My camera's 10X zoom managed a recognizable image, but just barely. 
We watched him until he entered the trees, then went on our way again. 
At dusk, as we were driving the last few miles to Roosevelt Lodge, a small black bear crossed the road.  I barely (pun intended) got the camera up in time to take a blurry shot in poor light.  
We were exhausted after all the wildlife watching and picture taking we'd done while driving through the park. And we'd only been in Yellowstone for a few hours.
When we arrived at the lodge at dark, we were glad to have a tiny Rough Rider cabin waiting for us. 

13 comments:

  1. That was quick reaction to snap the bear on the highway, Janie! Have a good weekend. Jo

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  2. One of my favorite places in the world. The antelope creek picture is terrific. My sons and I often visited Yellowstone to fly fish. Usually in the backcountry away from the crowds. And yes those tourists are way to close to that bull moose. People get way to close to the elk, moose and buffalo (especially) and are often killed and/or injured.

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  3. With no barriers or fences how on earth is the bear management area kept 'closed'? I suppose the line is drawn by people's common sense - hopefully!

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  4. I really like your picture of the meadow. It's beautiful with the shadow of the mountain covering the valley floor. Neat pictures of the bears as well.

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  5. Great pics. Carry your pepper spray while hiking. We're getting more and more grizz showing up as they expand beyond Yellowstone & Glacier (and even black bear sows can be ornery if you get between them & cubs) so I "never leave home without it."

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  6. Wow, you say two species of bear in the park in one day.. amazing!

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  7. Yellowstone is magical!!! Love your captures.

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  8. wow!!! must be exciting to spot grizzlies so up close!!!

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  9. Your locations and sightings in Yellowstone are bringing back good memories for me. In 1996, my friend, Mary, and I went with wolf researchers to track the first wolves reintroduced. A wonderful experience!

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  10. Hi Janie, Thanks for giving me a smile today.Yellowstone is gorgeous. We hope to get there sometime. I've been grieving since Thursday over the death of a very good friend. We will drive to Atlanta tomorrow for her funeral.

    SO--thanks for the wonderful posts..
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  11. watch out....hope Yogi doesn't still your pic a nic basket...lol

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  12. Glad to see signs that "should" keep people out of these bear habitats, yet I'll bet the bears could manage on their own.

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  13. I'm glad you were well away from the bears. This year there have been a few horror stories about them.

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