Autumn Forage

For bears Autumn is the last best chance to gather the remaining calories needed to survive the Winter. Bears enter hyperphagia, a period where the consumption of food overwhelms their activity.

This photograph of 'Blondie' was taken in Grand Teton National Park. We had spent some time watching her scouring the meadow looking for roots, ground squirrel caches, and anything else that might catch her omnivorous eye.

'Blondie' is probably the second most famous bear in the Park, behind the famous 399. It was a real privilege and honor to get to spend sometime observing her from a safe distance. My hope is she emerges in the Spring with some new cubs. I also hope that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not remove protections for the Grizzly under the Endangered Species Act.