Family

The family was all together. And then they weren’t.

I have followed this family since their early days out of the den in 2020.

It has been such a joy to watch them! It has also been a joy watching my family and friends see them for the first time. I’m so glad they were able to experience the excitement of witnessing their journey. As the bears maneuvered their way through the throngs of people who stopped to catch a glimpse of this famous family. As they swam the river and crossed the vast landscape. I’m sure the bears were very unaware of the impact they were having on all of us. I don’t know how to explain the feeling you get when you see them. I’m sure everyone reacts differently – but for the most part it is heart warming and joyful.

But yesterday, it felt different. There comes a day in every bear’s life, when the mom will say goodbye. I knew the day was close. Cubs normally stay with their mom for 2 years. When the female enters her next estrous cycle in the spring, it is time for the cubs to go. Boars will be in search of her and this puts the cubs in danger. Yes, I understand all the science behind it. Yes, I understand it’s nature. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt to witness the separation.

It was actually quite heart breaking. I am just so accustomed to seeing them all together. (I do hope that the cubs stay together!!) Quite frankly, I’m hoping at some point 399 finds her way back to the cubs and they spend some more time together.

I don’t want to compare the life cycle of bears to that of ours but there are many similarities. We all say goodbye to our parents at some point. I had to say goodbye too soon. I miss them everyday. We don’t stay in the same den with our siblings forever. Everyone goes off and creates a life of their own. If I could tell these young cubs anything, I would tell them that becoming independent and being able to take care of yourself is a very wonderful thing. I would also tell them to get together with each other as much as possible. A bond between brothers and sisters cannot be broken. And no matter how much time and space there is between you, they are always in your heart. Maybe I feel so close to this group because there is 4 of them. And one is always venturing out on its own.

It is a miracle that the 4 cubs made it to this point. Survival rates of new cubs are very low. 399 has kept them safe. She has taught them well. She has done all that she can do to prepare them to go out on their own. Just like our moms did for us!.

I wish them all well!!!

On a happy note, one of her older daughters has just emerged with 3 coy in tow. I couldn’t believe how small they were!! Oh what this amazing bear has done for the Grand Tetons!!! Her legacy continues! She truly is the GOAT!!!

“Wherever there are wild animals in the world, there is an opportunity for caring, compassion, and kindness”. Paul Oxton