07/20/2026
Following is the description of the video we just posted on You Tube. Link will be in the comments...and a nice photo of Snow so you don't feel cheated....
This video is from last October in Yellowstone. We examine the relationship between the wild grizzlies who frequent the Lake Butte area and wildlife managers. This is the grizzly bear we all know and love as Snow. Gina and I have known her for her entire life...
Snow is wild. She didn't have cubs last October. The food isn't appreciably better than one hill over or another 100 yards away. She has no discernible reason for being this close to the road other than she doesn't mind people. We've seen this in many grizzlies over the past 25 years.
But wildlife managers are concerned for her safety - her mother, Raspberry, was hit and badly injured by a vehicle near here. Her brother, Rocky, was hit and killed by a car when they were COY. 399 was hit and killed by a car. L264, 1058, 610, Juan Carrito outside Castel de Sangro in Italy.
So bear managers have developed a relationship with many of these bears to help keep them safe. When they get too close to the road they get a verbal warning and, maybe, some level of hazing. Here Snow is slowly approaching the road. Yow can see her getting anxious with soft panting and sideways glances...she knows that she has chalk on her paws. The instant she crosses the line all wildlife management has to say is, "No ma'am" at about 40 seconds in and she takes off running. It is fascinating to watch these sapient, sentient creatures choose to interact with us...
