On This Date: Yellowstone National Park is established

On this date in 1872, Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park. Prior to the mid-1800s, trappers and mountain men recounted “wild” stories of seeing spouting geysers, multicolored hot springs, boiling rivers, bubbling mud, noxious fumes and hissing earth while roaming through the future park. These reports were largely dismissed as delusions or tall tales before formal expeditions of the region began in 1869. In that year, the first of three expeditions to explore and document the region were launched, culminating with the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871. After Thomas Moran’s artwork and William H. Jackson’s photographs provided proof that Yellowstone’s geothermal and geologic features were indeed real, Congress was convinced they needed to protect this unique landscape from development. Less than six months after the conclusion of the Hayden Geological Survey, Yellowstone became a national park.

There are many histories and videos about Yellowstone; however, I found a short clip about the park that I thought was quite interesting. This is a public service announcement created by Wilding Picture Productions for the Ford Motor Company - likely in the 1950s, but possibly from the late 1940s. In addition to its age, what makes this clip remarkable is the advertisement of the "bear feeding grounds" in the park. Obviously, bear management practices have improved a little since then!



The video clip also mentions that Yellowstone’s buffalo were “a symbol of our vanished frontier.” Ramble On: A History of Hiking discusses the remarkable story of how George Bird Grinnell saved the buffalo, as Yellowstone was its last refuge.

St Mary Campground is Temporarily Closed Due to Bear Activity

The St. Mary Campground, located on the east side of Glacier National Park, is closed temporarily. The campground has seen a recent increase in black and grizzly bear activity, creating a high potential for negative human/bear interactions. It is unknown at this time when the campground will reopen.

Earlier this week, the campground was only open to hard-sided camping. Since that announcement, there has been increased black and grizzly bear activity in and around the campground. Efforts to haze the bears from the area have been unsuccessful. For public and bear safety issues, the campground will be temporarily closed until bear activity decreases.

At this time of year, bears are entering a phase called hyperphagia. It is a period of concentrated feeding to prepare for hibernation. This year there has been an exceptionally abundant crop of a variety of berries located in the campground, attracting bears to the area.

Glacier National Park is home to black and grizzly bears. All park visitors are reminded to recreate safely in bear country, and report all bear sightings to a park ranger.

Park regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around your camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a campsite.

To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear, hikers are encouraged to make noise, hike in groups, hike during day-light hours, and carry bear spray. When carrying bear spray it is important to have the spray readily accessible and have knowledge of how to use it properly.

For more information about camping or hiking in bear country while recreating in Glacier National Park, please click here. For updated information about campgrounds and campground status, please visit here or contact the park at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Available foods will bring bears to lower elevations this fall

Unlike the last two years which produced abundant crops of whitebark pine seeds, this year few cones were produced by the high elevation trees in the Greater Yellowstone National Park area.

Due to the low yield whitebark pine crop, rangers are expecting an increase in human-bear encounters in the backcountry this fall as bears seek alternative foods common at lower elevations. In the last week Park and Forest officials have observed a significant increase in bear activity at lower elevations near trails, roads, and developments where bears are foraging for berries, bison carcasses, digging ant hills, and ripping open logs for ants. Berry production has been especially good this year. In addition, apple trees have been highly productive this year. However, since berry producing shrubs and apple trees are generally found at lower elevations more frequently inhabited by people, officials expect human-bear encounters to be more common this fall.

Whether enjoying a day with friends hunting on National Forest System lands or hiking on your public lands remember to follow food storage guidelines. These guidelines have been in place for many years in Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin National Forest, and the Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer National Forest and are intended to help keep both you and bears safe.

When hiking on National Park lands or hiking or hunting National Forest System lands, carry bear spray, hike in groups of 3 or more people, be alert for bears at all times, and make noise so you don’t surprise bears. If you encounter a bear, do not run, slowly back away to put distance between you and the bear. This often diffuses the confrontation. If the bear charges, stand your ground and use your bear spray. In most cases the bear will break off the charge or veer away. If the bear makes contact, drop to the ground face down on your stomach, with your hands clasped behind your neck and lie still. Make sure the bear is gone before moving.

When camping in the backcountry, hang all food and garbage from food storage poles or bear boxes that are provided at every Yellowstone Park backcountry campsite and some National Forest campsites. Food should be hung at all times except during preparation and consumption. If a bear approaches your campsite, yell and bang pots, pans, or other objects to discourage it from entering.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Hard-sided Camping Only at St. Mary Campground in Glacier

The St. Mary Campground, located on the east side of Glacier National Park, is currently available to hard-sided camping only. The campground has seen a recent increase of black and grizzly bear activity, creating a high potential for negative human/bear interactions. No incidents between humans and bears have been reported in the St. Mary Campground to date.

Park rangers and wildlife managers are initiating some aversive conditioning, or negative reinforcement, to attempt to modify bear behavior near the campground. This conditioning will be on-going in the area of the campground. It is unknown when hard-sided camping limitation will be lifted in the campground.

Primitive camping is available at the St. Mary Campground through October 31 for a fee of $10 per night. From November 1 – March 31, camping is free with a valid entrance pass at the St. Mary Campground. Campgrounds in primitive status have pit toilets available, no potable or drinking water, and limited number of sites. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and reminded that any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use.

Glacier National Park is home to black and grizzly bears. Campers are reminded to keep campground and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around your camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a campsite. All bear sightings should be reported to a park ranger.

For more information about camping or hiking in bear country while recreating in Glacier National Park, please click here. For updated information about campgrounds and campground status, please visit here or contact the park at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Rising Sun Campground Closed Temporarily

Recent bear incidents at the Rising Sun Campground, located on the east of the park, have prompted the temporary closure of the campground. Early Monday morning the upper loop of the campground was closed, and the lower loop was only open to hard-sided camping. As of Tuesday, August 6th, the entire campground will be closed to all camping. All campers are being provided an opportunity to relocate to another campground within the park.

Early Sunday morning a bear, believed to be a small sub-adult black bear, approached and laid on a corner of a tent that was occupied by sleeping campers. The campers awoke and started yelling, and observed a black bear running from the tent. There have been two other incidents in the campground and surrounding area within the past month, all believed to be with the same bear. One incident involved the bear snatching a pillow from a sleeping camper, and the other incident involved the bear going through some clothing that was located along the lakeshore. The incidents included no injuries.

It appears that the bear is not looking for a food reward, or that it has received one, but it is learning to approach and handle human materials. Park rangers and wildlife managers will conduct aversive conditioning, or negative reinforcement, to attempt to modify the bear’s behavior. This will include trapping the bear, tagging the bear, and conducting hazing techniques using bean bags, rubber bullets, and/or noise stimulus. It is anticipated that these conditioning actions may take a few days.

A grizzly bear has recently been sighted in the area as well. Since a trap will be used, and it may trap the grizzly bear, the entire campground will be temporarily closed for visitor and bear safety.

The nightly Rising Sun Campground Programs will be moved to the St. Mary Campground during this temporary closure. Visitors for the program that are not camping at the St. Mary Campground are encouraged to park at the St. Mary Visitor Center and walk a short distance across the footbridge for the program.

The Rising Sun Campground has 83 sites and is a first-come first-serve facility. It is unknown the duration of the campground closure. For updated information about access, please visit the park’s campground status page, or contact the park at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Even bears like to have their backs scratched

Who doesn't like a good back scratching? Even bears like to have their backs scratched! This game camera in Swan Valley, Idaho caught several bears using a nearby tree as a backscratcher over the course of last summer. Be sure to check out the response of the moose at the end of the video:




Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Bears are emerging from dens in Glacier

Recent observations of bear tracks in the snow indicate bears are emerging from hibernation and venturing out looking for food in and around Glacier National Park. Both grizzly and black bears live and travel in the park. The bears hibernate during the winter months and begin to emerge from dens when temperatures warm. The bears are hungry and looking for food, especially carcasses of winter-killed animals.

Acting Glacier National Park Superintendent Kym Hall said, "Glacier National Park is bear country and park visitors should be alert for spring bear activity, and to be familiar with responsible actions to maintain human and bear safety."

Recreational visitors to the park should travel in groups and make loud noise by calling out and/or clapping their hands at frequent intervals, especially near streams and at blind spots and curves on trails. These actions will help avoid surprise encounters. Do not approach any wildlife; instead, use binoculars, telescopes, or telephoto lenses to get closer looks. Visitors should maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from any bear within the park.

Visitors are also reminded to keep food, garbage and other attractants stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes when not in use. Garbage must be deposited into a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster. These actions help keep bears from becoming conditioned to human food, and help keep park visitors and their personal property safe.

Proper use of bear spray has proven to be the best method for fending off threatening and attacking bears, and for preventing injury to the person and animal involved. Anyone recreating in bear country is highly encouraged to have bear spray. The bear spray should be readily accessible and the user should have knowledge on how to use it. The carrying of firearms within national parks and wildlife refuges is allowed as consistent with state laws. Glacier National Park managers agree with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks' statement: "If you are armed, use a firearm only as a last resort. Wounding a bear, even with a large caliber gun, can put you in far greater danger."

Visitors should report any bear sightings or signs of bear activity to the nearest visitor center, ranger station or by calling 406-888-7800 as soon as possible.

For more information about bears and how to recreate safely in Glacier National Park, you can click here and here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Bears Active Again in Grand Teton & the Rockefeller Parkway

Bears are out of hibernation and active again in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Park staff received reports of the first set of bear tracks on March 15th. These reports were in keeping with long-term data that indicates 50% of adult males bears are out of their winter dens by mid-March each year. Local residents and park visitors should be alert for the presence of bears throughout all areas of the park and parkway.

When bears leave their winter dens, they search for any food source that will help restore fat reserves lost during hibernation. Winter-killed animals provide immediate sources of protein, and hungry bears will strongly defend this and other food sources against perceived threats. Carcasses and freshly killed animals should serve as a point of caution - a red flag to detour away from the area. As snow banks recede, bears also dig up wildflower bulbs and burrowing rodents.

Now that bears are awake, appropriate precautions must be taken. Park visitors need to exercise good judgment, stay alert, and follow these recommended safety precautions while hiking:

• Make noise

• Travel in a group of three or more

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it

• Maintain a 100-yard distance from bears at all times

Park visitors are reminded to never approach a bear under any circumstances.

People should report any bear sightings or sign to the nearest visitor center or ranger station as soon as possible. Timely reporting will help park staff to provide important safety messages about bear activity to other visitors.

Access to human food and garbage is a death sentence to a bear. When bears lose their fear of humans, they often become a nuisance and a safety concern. Park visitors are reminded to keep food, garbage and other odorous items unavailable to bears at all times by storing attractants inside vehicles, by disposing of garbage in a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster, and by keeping personal items-such as backpacks or drink containers-with them at all times, especially when they contain food or food odors.

For further information on how to behave when hiking, camping or picnicking in bear country, read the park's newspaper, Grand Teton Guide, online at www.nps.gov/grte.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

How to Rescue Three Bear Cubs Trapped in a Dumpster

Hey, if mountaineers can use them to cross a crevasse....




Jeff
Glacier National Park Hiking

Guard Against Attracting Bears To Your Campsite

A couple of weeks ago the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offered several tips for keeping a clean campsite and eliminating bear attractants.

As you might expect, the press release states that all food items are bear attractants. Beyond food, the list includes: trash, recyclables, toiletries, first aid kits, pet food, window cleaner, baby wipes, scented tissue, air freshener, soda cans, bottled beverages, canned food, coolers (full or empty), mosquito repellant, deodorant, lipstick, tobacco products, and any other product with a scent.

Here are their recommendations for managing bear attractants in camp:

* Do not keep any food in sleeping or working areas.

* Do not keep any personal hygiene products in your sleeping tents. (toothpaste, soaps, deodorants, shampoos, tooth brushes)

* Maintain a separate area for cooking and food storage. Store personal hygiene products in the food storage area.

* Attempt to produce few leftovers or food wastes.

* Attempt to reduce food odors, try and take low odor foods with you in the field.

* Freeze-dried foods have very little odor.

* Use leftovers as soon as possible. Store all leftovers for a short time and use sealed airtight containers.

* Grease is very attractive to bears. Attempt to cook non-greasy foods as much as possible. Wash off the stove, tables, and barbeques after every meal to reduce odors. Burn greases in a hot fire or reuse it right away. Store grease in an airtight container.

* Incinerate garbage daily, or remove it from camp daily. Burying the garbage will not eliminate the odors. Bears dig up buried garbage. Greasy dishwater can be dumped in a pit dug away from camp. Treat the pit with lime or bleach to mask odors.

* Keep the camp and surrounding area clear of litter.

* Keep your packs, sleeping tents, sleeping bags and clothes free of food odors.

* Avoid cooking foods with strong odors—bacon for example.

* Wear a hat or kerchief while cooking so your hair will not pick up food odors.

* Change your clothes after cooking. Do not sleep in the same clothes as you wore to cook in. These clothes should be stored away from the sleeping tent.

* Wash cooking utensils immediately after use.

* Store all food and leftovers in bear resistant containers if possible, or elevated in a food cache.

* If you do not have bear resistant containers, store food in sealable plastic bags.

* Place food in a large bag and suspend well out of reach in trees, at least four feet out from the tree and 10 up.

* If you cannot burn your garbage, bag it up in sealed containers and suspend it from a tree. Garbage should be dealt with daily – do not let garbage accumulate in your camp.

* Latrines should be treated frequently with lime to reduce odors. Human waste is considered food by a bear.






Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Bears Active Again in Grand Teton National Park and the Rockefeller Parkway

Bears appear to be newly out of winter hibernation; therefore, local residents and park visitors are cautioned to be alert for their presence throughout all areas of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Recent sightings of bears or their tracks reveal that they are currently wandering locations from Huckleberry Hill in the Rockefeller Parkway to Pilgrim Creek near Jackson Lake Lodge. Bears may soon visit the Oxbow Bend of the Snake River and the park's east boundary with Bridger-Teton National Forest, and developed areas at Flagg Ranch, Colter Bay, Beaver Creek and Kelly, Wyoming.

When bears leave their winter dens, they search for any food source that will help restore fat reserves lost during hibernation. Winter-killed animals provide immediate sources of protein, and hungry bears will strongly defend this and other food sources against perceived threats. Carcasses and freshly killed animals should serve as a point of caution-a red flag to make a detour away from the area. As snow banks recede, bears also dig up wildflower bulbs and burrowing rodents.

Adult male bears usually emerge from hibernation by mid to late March, followed by females without cubs. Female bears accompanied by cubs emerge later in the spring and are extremely protective of their young.

Park visitors are reminded to never approach a bear under any circumstances. This is particularly important for situations involving a bear near a carcass and other food sources, or a female bear with her cubs.

With the increased activity of bears, appropriate precautions must be taken. Visitors are advised to carry bear spray, keep it easily accessible and know how to properly handle it. Backcountry hikers should exercise good judgment, stay alert, and follow these recommended safety precautions: make noise, travel in a group of three or more, and maintain a 100-yard distance from bears at all times.

Visitors should report any bear sightings or signs to the nearest visitor center or ranger station as soon as possible. Timely reporting will help to keep bears away from unnatural food sources and allow park staff to provide important safety messages to visitors about bear activity.

Access to human food and garbage usually leads to food-conditioned bears. When bears lose their fear of humans, they often become a nuisance and a safety concern. Park visitors are reminded to keep food, garbage and other odorous items unavailable to bears at all times by storing attractants inside vehicles, by disposing of garbage in a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster, and by keeping personal items-such as backpacks or drink containers-with them at all times, especially when they contain food.

For further information on how to behave when hiking, camping or picnicking in bear country, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com