More Den Excitement- GB815 w/ 1 Yr Cub

8/16/2017

One of the more visible grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park is GB815 and her 1 remaining yearling cub.

Last May 2016, she was observed with three cubs of the year (COY). This year, she was first observed this year on April 27, 2017, with only one surviving yearling, pictured below. Jort Vanderveen was fortunate enough to observe these two grizzlies near Norris, YNP this spring. Please visit Jort's Photography for more astounding images.

815 was first captured June 10, 2015 near Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park. Her capture was for research purposes; the handling agency during her capture was the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team. GB815 is 10 years old as of 2017.

I was fortunate enough to visit the den of GB815 and look at how she constructed her winter lair. A very, very difficult place to get into; she certainly was very well fortified and protected in this environment. Unfortunately, this den is partially collapsed, and most likely will not be used again. Grizzlies very rarely use the same den twice, and with the weathering and collapse present in this structure, it is safe to say that nobody will be using this den again.

Like many, this den was at the base of a tree, using the root structure largely for structural support, and was positioned with the entrance facing north.

For more on den information, please review my post from July 16, 2017 which is pinned to the top of this page, or my website www.yellowstonegrizzlyproject.weebly.com.

Any questions or comments please feel free to drop a line.
Video to come later.

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Tyler Brasington is a native born and raised Pennsylvanian, yet proud current Wisconsin resident. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Currently, Tyler is pursuing his masters in Natural Resources with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He has worked in Yellowstone National Park under the guidance and supervision of Dr. George Clokey and Dr. Jim Halfpenny.

Tyler is a current member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management, The Wildlife Society, and Polar Bears International.

Research and academic work has focused on different aspects of grizzly bear ecology and behavior. Ongoing research: spatial ecology and identification of females with cubs, and integrated approaches to monitoring grizzlies in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Side projects include: selected life histories of park bears, bear viewing etiquette and responses.

Currently Tyler is employed as a Park Ranger with the Bear Management Office in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). He previously worked as a Biological Science Technician with the US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center and as a Biological Science Technician (Fisheries/AIS) in GTNP, and served as a volunteer, assisting the Bear Management Office in Yellowstone National Park.

Disclaimer: The information and views expressed on this page do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Interior, US Geological Survey, National Park Service or the United States Government.

The Greater Yellowstone Grizzly Project
www.yellowstonegrizzlyproject.org

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More Den Excitement- GB815 w/ 1 Yr Cub

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