2024 Winding Down - UPDATE September 14, 2024
Guy
The bears are winding down. Our tension is winding down. And hunting pressure has wound down. We haven’t heard a shot for 11 days now. Three juveniles were taken early on but we don’t know enough to say who they are. A fourth bear was found eaten by wolves early in the season. We believe the bears we know best are still alive.
Guys foot
Guys foot
Today was the beginning of grouse hunting season and deer bow-hunting season—the usual turning point when bear hunting winds down even though there is a month left in the season.
RC by M. Johnson
RC by M. Johnson
Females that are likely pregnant have mostly drifted off as have big males. Mothers with cubs are still active.
Donna by C. Quick
Donna by C. Quick
The three oldest bears we know are still with us. The oldest is 25-year-old RC whose picture by Mike Johnson makes her look young in light that minimizes her white facial hairs. Another is 24-year-old nice Donna with lighting that makes her look young, too. Then there is nice Guy who is about the same age looking much older. I don’t think I’ve ever seen longer gray hairs on a bear’s foot.
I’m glad we didn’t lose more bears.
Thank you for all you do,
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center