Word has come out that two of three yearling cubs of grizzly 1063 in Grand Teton National Park have died. The two were found dead Tuesday morning by park officials with evidence suggesting they were killed by a larger bear. The fate of the third cub is unknown as their mother, 1063 (aka Fritter or Bonita), was last seen alone.
1063 had become quite popular in the Colter Bay area and since emerging with the three cubs last year, was known to graze in the open allowing onlookers a great view. This year, rangers had taken to hazing her and the cubs to keep her away from roadways and people. It is assumed the cubs were killed by a male grizzly, something that is not unusual as they will do that to force the mother back into estrus to get her to mate.
I was privileged to spend a couple mornings with her and her darling cubs last June. These are a few images of them I have not shared previously. There is a lot of drama currently going on in the wildlife community about the incident but I will opt to just remember the special time I had with them and be thankful for it.
