During our recent road-trip from Grand Teton National Park to Big Sky Montana, we found ourselves on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park. Electing to skip the RV caravans and crappy spring/winter weather … we decided to spend a few hours at a sanctuary for Grizzly Bears and Wolves just outside of West Yellowstone. After spending a week in the Grand Tetons watching Grizzlies in the wild, it was a sense of melancholy to now see these majestic animals in such an environment. However, we had an opportunity to learn more about each of these species and no longer needed to carry the bear spray.
I’ve always been in awe of wolves. As a youngster, my first experience on a midnight hike listening to wolves howl at Camp Lake Isabella in Northern Minnesota made a lifelong impression on me. Watching wolves hunt in Yellowstone back in 2018 was absolutely enthralling. Unfortunately our policies and behaviors are making these encounters fewer and more risky for the wolves. Despite the circumstances, it was still captivating to watch two wolves figure out how to deal with a treat of fresh fish in their pond for the first time. Eventually one realized … someone needs to get wet. The other figured out to just be patient and take advantage of “friends with fish”.
During our visit, we had a chance to witness one of the services of this facility. They help companies test “bear proof” products. After watching a couple of Grizzly bears go at a small cooler packed with some goodies, I can say with confidence that nothing is “bear proof”. Eventually the bear will win. The company can make the claim if their product survives 60 minutes. The bears did not seem to care about any time limit. I suddenly had a shiver thinking about that can of Pringles in the cab of our pick-up truck back at Grand Teton National Park.
“Every teddy bear who’s been good is sure of a treat today
There’s lots of marvelous things to eat and wonderful games to play
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They’ll hide and seek as long as they please
That’s the way the teddy bears have their picnic”
