Griz

[Teton Chuck]

I was out in the back country near Jackson Hole, Wyoming last Saturday and I came across this big guy. The light was not good, but I did my best to capture an image. Ever wonder how a grizzly bear digs roots and tubers? Answer - look at his front left foot. I was lucky to have this encounter. There are not many grizzly bears left in the lower 48 states.

[deetheturk]

Bad luck regarding the light Chuck,but still a nice image!

[Shadowman]

Nice.

[flashback]

Awesome creatures the epitome of wilderness and you're fortunate to have seen this one. From what I understand, like sharks you don't often see the one that gets you, or if you do it's the last thing you see.

[terrib]

I'm excited for you, Chuck, that you got to see this guy. What a wonderful experience that must have been! You did much better than I would have done in those circumstances.

[Mike Buckley]

This must have been an exciting experience, Chuck. The only time I've seen grizzlies is when I was in a protected area such as a national park. Were you in Grand Teton National Park?

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all for the comments. This grizzly bear was in the National Forest, not in a National Park. Most of us who hike in the National Forests that surround Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park carry bear spray in case of an encounter with a grizzly bear, or a mother moose. The increased presence of bears causes one to be more careful when out in the woods, and it increases the quality of the experience knowing that bears are around. Once I took a follow from England to the site where a mountain lion had made a kill. We were very careful going in and when we were evaluating the kill because sometimes bears take over a kill and they do not tolerate people intruding. When we returned to the car my guest said, "Whew - that was the first time in my life where I was in a place where something could eat me." That makes one a better observer.

Where I saw this bear the odds are great that a Mountain Lion was watching me.