The great bears of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons
The greater yellowstone ecosystem, a land full of gorgeous scenery, amazing national parks, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the entire country. This place is what inspired me to pursue a life in the outdoor industry, as well as fall in love with wildlife photography more, most notably bears. It is home to 60% of the world’s active geysers, more small and large animals than anywhere in the Lower 48 states, striking, big country views, and seemingly infinite outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s a large, unspoiled, natural wonder. Every year I try and spend as much time in this ecosystem, that compromises of both Yellowstone NP as well as the grand Tetons. I come here to watch, photograph and observe bears so I can learn as much as I can about them. The bears of Yellowstone national park and Grand Teton national park are very unique bears compared to other counterparts. The massive amounts of tourists they see year after year has altered some of the bears behavior, most notably the female sows.
The Grizzly and black bear females both have come to learn that the male bears of the area stick to their solitary nature very strongly and avoid humans at all costs. And being that male bears are the largest cause of death for bear cubs, the females have learned that being near people have lead to a higher success in raising their young. this is where the term roadside bears came from. The grand tetons is most popular for this, with many of its roadside bears becoming bonafide celebrities like 399. These bears have seen a great increase in successful cubs and have learned by staying near the roads, their chances of running into male bears goes down significantly. They even each this to their young, who eventually start raising their young near the roads as well. This however has caused some issues, as with this comes a kind of semi reliance on humans. and when bears and humans mix, its never a good thing, with the bears usually being the ones losing. whether by relocation, or being put down.
