6/4/2019. Black Bear

Today is the last full day we have in the Grand Tetons.  After hiking the last couple of days we thought we would take it easy.  Do a simple 2 mile hike.  Then stop at Flagg Ranch for some of the Huckleberry Desert.  

Things didn’t quite go as planned.  Our simple hike ended up being a little over 4 miles.  As we entered the trail head, approximately 100 yards down the path was a Black Bear moseying towards us.  The Bear was not the least bit intimidate by us, and not in a real big hurry to catch us either which is good.  We slowly backed down the path past the trail head and let him go by.  In the mean time we warned all the other tourist to back away.  He slowly walked out into the parking lot and once he realized all the humans frozen in their steps watching him he decided to turn and high-tail out of there.

We walked back to the visitor center and advised the Rangers that had suggested that we take the trail about the bear.  At least I though that they would not want to send others hikers down the same trail today.   They didn’t seem the least bit concerned.  

“GEESH”.  I was concerned.

They did acknowledge that a Cinammon Bear does frequent the area but hasn’t bothered anyone so they leave it alone.

They advised us to wait 10 minutes and then go ahead on the hike which we did.  Luckily we did not see the bear again.

Funny thing is that I bought “Bear Spray” which is basically pepper spray that will shoot 30’ prior to arriving here in the Tetons.  Sandy was not convinced that the $45 investment was needed.  When we arrived here both the Grand Tetons & Yellowstone highly recommend that all hikers carry Bear Spray.  Well you guessed it, Sandy was right by my side during this hike.  Yes, I will be carrying Bear Spray with me on future hikes.

PS.  The Black Bear described above was the 2nd Bear we saw in the last two days.  Yesterday we saw a Grizzly Bear.  Thank Goodness from the protection of a car.  In the last week we have seen:

• 1 Black Bear
• 1 Grizzly Bear
• 3 Elk
• A lot of Bison’s (Buffalo)

In the last week we have been through the Bighorn, Black Hills, Bridger-Teton, Shoshone, and Targhee National Forests.

The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone butt up against each other.  I HIGHLY recommend them for a visit!!  One of my FAVORITES