The Sentinel
There is a stirring in the air as the mild winds of March blow across Yellowstone National Park. This is the month when many grizzlies are roused from their long winter hibernations and seek water or snow to quench their long denied thirst. In fact during the months of March, April, May and June some areas within the park are closed to backpackers because of high bear activity.
Grizzly bears have a commanding presence, some bears reaching 10 feet tall on their hind legs and weighing upwards of 850 pounds. But despite their massive size they can reach speeds of up to 40 mph. Grizzlies are unique in that they are omnivores since their diet consists of both plants and animals. Their menu crosses a wide spectrum which includes moose, deer, sheep, elk, bison and fish as well as pine nuts, grasses, roots and berries.
Another defining characteristic of grizzly bears is that except for breeding and cub rearing they live solitary lives. Because of this, grey wolves that travel in packs are known as the grizzly’s most feared nemesis. Through a game of “cat and mouse” they distract a grizzly that is hovering over a fresh kill in an attempt to steal the grizzlies’ bounty. As in most everything in the wild the stakes are high. A grizzly bear must eat a tremendous amount of food during the summer and fall to build up its fat reserve for their denning period. This hibernation period usually lasts between five to eight months.
Grizzly bears are most active between the night hours and at dawn and dusk. If one is so fortunate they might see a lone grizzly at dusk in an open meadow or a mother and her cubs crossing a stream at sunrise. They have also been spotted from the road in Lamar Valley, from Tower to Canyon, Lake Fishing Bridge or in the Grand Tetons. There is certain nobility that adorns this four legged sentinel and we as a nation must do our part to aid not only in its protection but also its survival as a species.
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