More good news about grizzlies moving out onto the sparsely inhabited plains of northern Montana-
Griz adult seen by Shelby is first to wander so far east of the Front. By Karl Puckett. Great Falls Tribune.
Author
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University. He was a Western Watersheds Project Board Member off and on for many years, and was also its President for several years. For a long time he produced Ralph Maughan’s Wolf Report. He was a founder of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. He and Jackie Johnson Maughan wrote three editions of “Hiking Idaho.” He also wrote “Beyond the Tetons” and “Backpacking Wyoming’s Teton and Washakie Wilderness.” He created and is the administrator of The Wildlife News.
Comments
These bears are about 90 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, out on the plains in the coulees.
Such heartening news! This is what upsets me about possible transfer of management to the states, I live in Colorado, and grizzlies would probably eventually make their way back down to CO via the Wind Rivers or Utah, but management precludes this. Nice to see them reclaiming some of the prairie, I hope they behave themselves.
Great news. I just hope there are more bears wandering into wild spots where ever they can. I am probably one of the only people in the country happy about the housing market being down as I look at the whole thing from an animals perspective. . it sure is nice to get a little break from the breakneck pace that America is being built up, fenced in and patrolled by domestic dogs.
Ironically, that is the location that Lewis and Clark dealt with Grizzly problems. Not in the Rocky Mountains which were scarce on big game, hence, grizzly as well.
Just so we are clear on this Lewis and Clark shot every bear they came across on sight, except for two and some black bear cubs. Their famous problems with bears were mostly because they were dealing with wounded bears. Also there are not herds of buffalo there now so it will be interesting to see what they are eating.
Linda Jo Hunter,
Thanks for the historical addition to this story. These bears are in coulees where there is probably edible vegetation and deer, but I have never been in this country. My guess. Anyone who has could help here.
Indeed, they shot about every living thing they came across and used most of it too to survive and keep the pirogues afloat and moving. Not to mention descriptions for scientific documentation.
Surely putting a few balls into them didn’t help. But do not underestimate the intelligence of Grizzly bears. They were on the top of the food chain and knew it then more than ever. They would have been a obstacle to reckon with whether you shot one or not.
smalltownID you need to re-investigate the nature of bears. I suggest some up to date books on the nature of bears. Start with Charlie Russell who has several good books on the subject and some films. My book would help you as well. Your ideas about bears are out of date now.
You’re right, they are furry, cuddly, and only attack when shot with muskets.