This episode of Nature focuses broadly on the challenge of properly managing wildlife, with a focus on Grizzly Bears in the Grand Teton wildlife area. Back as recently as the 1970s the Grizzly Bear population was in dangerous decline, as a result they were listed as a protected species. Now that their numbers are thriving some want to delist them, which means they could be hunted and killed. That would result in bears accustomed to and unafraid of tourists being killed first. A conundrum.
This program focuses on one bear, named simply 399. It covers the springtimes of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. A female that typically has one or two cubs emerge with her out of hibernation. In 2020 she emerges with four healthy cubs. The program follows her until the cubs are 2 1/2 years of age, at which time she chases them away, that is the method of the Grizzly. The following springtime she emerges with one cub, although at the age of 27 experts are amazed.
The program also follows one wildlife photographer who has made 399 his passion for years, by his own estimate he spends almost half of the year looking for 399 and he sees her maybe 15 times. In the springtime he might be at roadside watching every day for two weeks before 399 is sighted. But through his sticktuitiveness has made some wonderful photos of the Grizzly.
Good, worthwhile Nature program, it was broadcast tonight on my PBS station.
Update: October 24, 2024 - We just heard on the news that Bear 399 was hit and killed on the highway near the park, her 18 month cub has not been located yet but they are looking. She had a good life and brought forth 18 new Grizzleys. R. I. P #399.
