Grizzle Kills Our Neighbor

 ATTACK DEFENDING FOOD

Large Old Male Bear

wake up call for us

courtesy KZBK Bozeman

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.. Over the weekend a large male grizzle bear attacked our neighbor Charles Mock near Baker's Hole. After several surgeries he died of a stroke in the hospital.

.. According to Gallatin County Sheriff's Department, (and other reports,) the bear was guarding a moose carcass.

.. During investigations at the scene the bear reappeared and charged the investigators: it was shot and killed. A forest closure has been issued outside of the park from the town boundary to the transfer station road

.. We mourn the passing of our neighbor and sympathize with his family. A go fund me page is available for the family (LINK.)

area closure still in effect

RESOURCES

 > Yellowstone First Grizzle Sighting

> New York Times,

> CNN

> NBC

> ABC

> Independent

> KBZK

> CBS

> Montana FWP

> Forrest Closure

> Go Fund Me

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Road Work

STARTS NOW

Be Very Careful

an essential service

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.. In the midst of our current trials the Montana Department Of Transportation is continuing with extensive improvements to Highway 191 north of West Yellowstone.
.. This is the most significant, (and disruptive,) of the recent  work on this section of highway. We take this opportunity to post the entire notice for our highway department.

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US Highway 191 near West Yellowstone draws thousands of drivers each year, many on their way to witness the beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Roads in this region are seeing increasing usage on top of wear-and-tear from harsh winters and frequent underground geologic activity. As a result, US Highway 191 between Big Sky and West Yellowstone has degraded, showing numerous cracks and potholes. It needs to be rehabilitated.
To ensure this roadway remains safe and smooth for the thousands of drivers on this route for years to come, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will complete the Highway 191 – North of West Yellowstone project.
23 miles of roadway improvements will include:

• Creation of a northbound left turn lane at Rainbow Point Road
• Bridge crossing repairs over Specimen Creek and the Gallatin River
• Installation of new guardrail
• Road resurfacing

What to Expect

The project is split into two, with a roughly five-mile gap between construction areas: 1.) A turn lane will be constructed at Rainbow Point Road, north of West Yellowstone, to provide safer access for the growing communities along the roadway. 2.) The road will be repaved from Grayling Creek by US Forest Service Road 986 to Tepee Creek Trailhead by Elk Horn Ranch Road.
Work for both projects is expected to begin early May and last through August 2020. Traffic will be limited to one lane. Work on the turn lane at Rainbow Point Road will be slightly delayed until June to allow for bison herd migration in the spring. These timelines are all weather dependent.
Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes in each construction zone from early May through August. Work is expected to occur in daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 5-minute delays should be expected during non-work hours.

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Weekly updates are available throughout construction. To sign up:

• Email: Takami
• SMS Text Update: HIGHWAY191 to 41411
• Project hotline: 406-207-4484 during business hours

Recycling Pavement

MDT recognizes that for many Montanans, our environment is key to our wellbeing. As part of each project, we identify ways to limit our impacts as much as possible. For this project, we are utilizing an environmentally-friendly technique called "hot-in-place recycling" to improve the road.
During the warmest months of the year, July and August, conditions are best for repaving. This process involves three main steps:

1. Crews align equipment in a "train." The first driver manages a heater that heats the roadway to the point where the top layer becomes soft and removable.
2. A second worker assists in removing the surface layer of asphalt. They mix it with rejuvenator which helps restore the asphalt to a like-new condition.
3. The “caboose” works on laying the asphalt back down on the road, as if they were laying new asphalt.

This technique reduces the amount of mining needed and requires fewer asphalt trucks, making it more environmentally friendly. Crews use the existing asphalt and recycle it to prolong the life of the road. Through this recycling, we continue to keep good roads good and our state beautiful.

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.. Our village continues to show increased activity as shops show signs of life. The Post Office has cars and bicycles clustered around it. The hardware store has cautious activity and, correctly parked pickumups, (how unusual.)

LIMITED CHOICES

.. The grocery stores still have empty shelf sections but there are small amounts of toilet paper on display. Product limits are still in place and "spit, (sneeze,) guards" have made their appearance around the checker stations.
.. Interestingly some excellent produce and meat cuts have made their appearance. Shopping early has it's rewards. Avocados are still grossly oerpriced as are the excellent rib eye steaks. Such is life.
.. A few more of the neighbors are venturing to the nearby fishing locations. Big Grizzle Bears and giant Black Bears have been reported close to town. Even the South Fork Moose Family is close to the bridge:  AND = even on the road west of town.

THE ORIGINAL BLUE BOTTOM

.. Sneaky fisher folks have invaded the mushy, slushy, gooey, bottoms of Grayling Creek, Cabin Creek and, even Beaver Creek at the Quake Lake estuary. They have ignored the water below Hebgen Dam to allow the spawners a rest and, avoid trampling the redds. Also, there are too many Lexus and 'TRD' pickups from Utah.
.. Some surface action on Cabin Creek and in the Grayling Creek bottoms is being reported. The neighbors fly of choice is the Original Blue Bottom which can be fished on top or underneath - such fun.
.. We apologize for the erratic schedule of our posts. It has something to do with couch time and, garden time and, streaming 'B' movies from the 50's.

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WALLPAPER:  STANDARD AMERICAN BREAKFAST

Be Bear Aware

ON THE MADISON

Or Near Enough

escaped one

RIGHT THAARRRE !

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.. It's in the news. You can read about a summer resident that was attacked by a grizzle bear. Knocked down. Used a quick draw technique for bear spray while face down with the bear on his back.
.. Sprayed the bear. The bear left.

NEWS RELEASE . . .  courtesy FWP

  A 17 year-old male was attacked by a bear south of Ennis on Sunday. He fortunately survived the attack with relatively minor injuries.
  The teen and his family were visiting their cabin in Wolf Creek, about 30 miles south of Ennis, on the east side of the Madison Valley. He was out looking for shed antlers in the area.
  According to the teen, he was walking down a hill around 2 p.m. when he heard a “thump” behind him.
  He turned around to see a bear charging at him. The teen was carrying bear spray, but he was unable to deploy it immediately because of the bear’s rapid approach. The bear pushed him up against a tree and held him there momentarily.
  When the bear let go, the teen fell over and attempted to crawl between two trees and protect his head and vitals. The bear then pinned him face-down on the ground.
  The teen, who was wearing a hoodie and a backpack, said he was able to reach over his shoulder and spray the bear with bear spray, and the bear left.
  The young man began walking out and made radio contact with his family. He was treated for his injuries at Madison Valley Medical Center and later released.

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.. We're under a "Hydrologic Alert." & a "Winter Storm Warning."That just means that the current wet stuff coming down is warm enough to enable some downstream flooding. Check it out HERE.

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WALLPAPER:  CINNAMON BREAD WITH ZANTE CURRANTS

Mythic Madison

BEARS FISH HERE

Walk Just A Bit

unmolested fish

FISH WHERE THE BEARS FISH

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.. This year there has been a fishing bear at GRASSHOPPER BANK on the Madison River.
.. Most visiting fishers will never see the bear. Most visiting fishers will not take advantage of the pods of large fish that fin and flop lazily in the dark water of this bit of the river.
.. It takes just a small walk to get into position to fish for the trout. However it will put your car out of sight. Crouching and duck walking is not in the mindset of the average fisher visiting Yellowstone National Park.

TAKE SOME

.. Hell's Bells, if you can't jump into a school of fish and splash to the center of the river in order to fish the bank  --  it taint "fly fishing."
.. We've seen the bear.

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.. Today's rain is perfectly gentle and inviting. Mid day catching will be very productive. We'll take some fresh bear spray. The exercise will guarantee a good night's sleep.

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WALLPAPER:  TAQUITOS  --  FLAUTAS

Touché

ROD TO THE RESCUE

Just A Nine Footer

t & t wins

BE BEAR AWARE

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.. We often caution: "carry the bear spray." We're pleased to report that it works.
.. Just two days ago a Bozeman, Montana fisher and his wife fended off a food guarding grizzly in the Lamar Valley.
.. We need not expand the story. To read the whole story of the husband and wife defense - READ IT HERE. And HERE.
.. We do suggest that the bear spray be carried in  hand.

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WALLPAPER: BEST HOMEMADE TORTILLAS

Details Released

MAMA BEAR EUTHANIZED

Two Cubs Captured

please carry bear spray

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.. Yellowstone National Park has provided additional details about the hiker that was killed by a Grizzly Bear. The decision factors concerning the disposition of the bears are also provided.

PRESS RELEASE

Date: August 13, 2015

August 13, 2015            15-056    
Julena Campbell or Amy Bartlett
(307)344-2015
e-mail us  
Results from an autopsy conducted on Monday afternoon concluded that Lance Crosby, a 63 year old Billings man, died as a result of traumatic injuries sustained from a bear attack. Results from genetic (DNA) analysis of bear hair samples collected next to Crosby’s body confirmed the adult female grizzly bear that was captured at the scene on the night the body was discovered was the bear involved in the fatal attack. Additional support beyond the DNA evidence that this female was the bear involved in the attack include: the bear and cubs were at the attack site when Crosby’s body was found by park rangers; bear tracks of a female with cubs were found at Crosby’s body; this bear was captured at the fatality site within 24 hours of the body being found; and canine puncture wounds inflicted on the victim are consistent with the bite size of the female captured at the site.

Based on the totality of the evidence, this adult female grizzly was the bear involved in the fatality and was euthanized today. An important fact in the decision to euthanize the bear was that a significant portion of the body was consumed and cached with the intent to return for further feeding. Normal defensive attacks by female bears defending their young do not involve consumption of the victim’s body.

Arrangements have been made to transfer the bear’s two cubs to a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA sets strict standards for facilities with regard to animal handling and care. Details of this placement are still being finalized. The facility is expected to make an announcement on Friday.

“As managers of Yellowstone National Park, we balance the preservation of park resources with public safety,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk. “Our decision takes into account the facts of the case, the goals of the bear management program, and the long term viability of the grizzly bear population as a whole, rather than an individual bear.”

The area closures, including the Elephant Back Loop Trail and Natural Bridge Trail will be lifted on Friday, August 14.

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WALLPAPER:  PARK HEADQUARTERS - MAMMOTH

Briefs

DEATH IN YELLOWSTONE

Spruce Moths Working

hoppers have wings and legs

THESE ARE NOT JUST FOR DECORATION

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.. The partially eaten body of a seasonal employee of Medcore was discovered near Elephant Back Loop Trail. The body was found about noon on Friday, (LINK-1.) The involvement of Grizzly Bears was announced yesterday, (LINK-2.)
.. We've said it before and we say it again: walk, stroll, hike, or meander with your bear spray in hand and sing loudly to the bears. Two or three companions is usually a good number for bear fishing. 
.. The man was described as "an experienced hiker," and was known to frequent the area where his body was found.

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ADULT MOTH

.. Spruce moths have been reported along the wooded sections of the Gallatin River near the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. They now add their flavor to the miscellaneous smorgasbord available for the eager trout.
.. It might be worth mentioning that the neotanous form is also edible and does, in fact, fall from trees into the awater.
.. Ants, beetles, caddis, hoppers, and sporadic mayflies provide a balanced diet for our scaly friends. Certainly you have something that will work.

BABY MOTH

.. The best advice for now is to take the whole box, (or two or three,) and fish with a friend to share information with. Covering a lot of water is always a good idea. Trigger finger on the bear spray and take time to look around at the scenery above the water.

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.. It's not known as a streamer fishery but, there have been some genuine hogs jerked from the Madison River Between The Lakes. The last few deep meander bends before Quake Lake have been, of late, persistently haunted by a couple of the neighbors.

GOOD OL' OLIVE MATUKA

.. Once a gigantic fish takes a streamer it's hard to fish elsewhere for awhile. Nothing fancy going on here: no two handed rods, no 10' nine weights, no exotic flies with endangered fluff. Matuka is the name of the game. Fling, mend, strip, wait, strip again, hang on.

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.. A steady stream of the young neighbors are traveling to far reaches of the northeast corner of the park on a regular basis. They get up early and arrive in time to see long shadows across the confluence of Slough Creek with the Lamar River.

TROUT CANDY

.. These sage rats ignore the lush meadows of the famous creek. They don't fish where trees obscure the view and snag a cast or where the grass is so deep that it tickles their nether regions. They are allergic to guide books and famous fisheries.
.. Right now they are using unfashionable San Juan Worms, Black Deer Hair Beetles, monster Woolly Buggers, Hoppers, and the occasional small stone fly nymph or ant imitations. The cell phone pictures are convincing.

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.. Whispers abound in the least used tables in the pubs. Winter Creek, Gibbon River between the cascades and Greebe Lake, Firehole River on the trail to Lone Star Geyser, and weed beds with leeches on Hebgen Lake.
.. We'd be remiss if we failed to mention the whispers. We'd be garroted if told you more.

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WALLPAPER:   SODA BUTTE

Go East Young Man

SORRY HORACE

It's All Good

depending on rain and mud plugs

YES VIRGINIA THOSE ARE TROUT

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.. The greatest variety of fishing topography in Yellowstone National Park is now ready to go. Opportunities abound.
.. The Yellowstone River is open. The Lamar River is settling down. Slough Creek is pumping out bugs and fish. Indian Creek and Obsidian Creek already have armies of elbows. Virginia Creek is alive with fish and fishers. Trout Lake has willing trout, (a bit more selective than usual.) There are still cruisers along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Grebe Lake is fully accessible and the grayling are more cooperative than usual, (not quite as easy at Wolf Lake.)

.. Check in with the feather merchants up that way for complete up-2-da-minute reports.
.. For most of these waters the evening is providing spectacular catching on caddis imitations. The hatches have clouded the water and the shoreline grasses. Ovapositing caddis can hide the water from view as little clouds of the critters dance along the water. The trout seem to understand this. Go figure.
.. In the mornings there is a choice for fishers: chucking streamers for the submarines, or floating trico fluffies for the majority of the residents.
.. Pick your favorite baetid imitation and fish the BWO hatch, or for that matter any of the hatches where the mayflies are popping. Right now the fish are doing their best to fill their dance cards.
.. The cutthroat action has been very good on the Yellowstone River. The water is still very high and dangerous. It is running at about 1,000 cfs above seasonal norms - but it's nicely clear and catching, (like last year,) seems to have improved over the desertic conditions of the previous 5 or 6 years.

.. Right now is the perfect opportunity for big fish on big streamers or ugly rubber legs - if you can resist the noses.
.. Hatches, even in the high water are pretty strong. There really is no need, (for the moment,) to get in the water. Cruise the banks in your best stealth fashion and use your pocket binoculars to find the noses. As the water drops the fish will seek holding water on the subsurface gravel bars. For now they are finding plenty of cover and food along the bank. Have at it.
.. Should you have the legs for it, a stroll down the hill at Tower Falls will provide exceptional catching opportunities both in Tower Creek and the Yellowstone River. This is an excellent place for the late evening fisher to sail a streamer into the haunts of giant fish. Do not go down the hill with a 4 weight and 6x tippet.

.. As the thunderstorms in the Lamar Valley subside and the shimmering heat of full Summer spreads out, there will be plenty of biting flies to bother your fishing. Puddled water is pretty widespread right now and the mosquitoes are having great feasts of flesh in the Slough Creek campground and the Pebble Creek campground. Keep this in mind.
.. There is still a bear, (or 3,) above the campground at Pebble Creek. We've some second hand reports that the fishing is worth the walk. Be loud and raucous once you hit the trees above the little canyon. Carry the bear spray in your gun hand.
.. Soda Butte Creek is still a bit raucous but not too dirty. Right now is a good time to fish the confluence waters of this fine little stream. Either the confluence with Amphitheater Creek, Rose Creek, or with Pebble Creek will provide good catching in the current conditions. Fish in the windows and the seams. Hold on tight.

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Addendum

RESOURCES AND NOTES

Not Just Fish

the nps is hard at work

Wallpapper: Water Lily At Isa Lake

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.. There has been some stirring amongst the natives, (two legged variety,) since our post about the killing of fish in Grayling Creek.
.. This was not a sneak attack. We posted about the planning meetings for the native fish conservation plan a few years back (LINK.) We've posted followup notes as well, (this blog is searchable.)
.. To help bring concerned fishers up to speed, the list below will provide current and background information about this plan. You may also directly contact the staff at Yellowstone National Park for current and planned activities within this multi-year project,

GRAYLING CREEK NEWS RELEASE,
NPS PAGE,
EA DOCUMENT (in three sections,)
FONSI.
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.. There are a few other actions that will probably affect fishers and winter visitors as well. Below are some links to those plans and actions.

Bridge over Isa Lake - plans to close the south loop road  in 2014 and 2015 to rebuild the bridge and bring it up to contemporary standards, this action is open for public comment. (LINK)

Winter use plan ratified - new definitions are decided upon and "Transportation Events" have been codified. Regulations to implement the decisions will be released shortly. (LINK)

Summer 2013 bison count released - the population increase is within the parameters expected for wild bison. They drink from trout streams. (LINK)

Illegal trail in Bechler to be removed - this trail is one that is used to access portions of the Bechler area. Portions of the park will be closed during restoration of the damaged environment. (LINK)

Grizzly encounter thwarted by bear spray - a sow defending her cub charged a group of hikers on the Cygnet Lakes Trail. Bites and scratches were the result. Bear spray works. (LINK)

Fall is approaching and the elk are cavorting - people and vehicles are at risk from rutting elk. Fishers should use caution when wandering around while looking for fish. (LINK)
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If you have questions about park actions or policies you can contact the park personnel directly. The first, and best avenue is:

Al Nash or Dan Hottle
(307) 344-2015

OR

YELL_Public_Affairs@nps.gov

These folks can answer your questions and address your concerns. They will put you in touch with the appropriate staff for detailed information, should you need it.

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Swollen neck, drippy nose, runny eyes, inflamed nasal passages, panting past enlarged tongue: ain't love grand?

Not A Secret But . . .

TOO FAR FOR MOST

Adjectives Fail Us

a challenge for the skilled

AT GRADE MEANDERS WITH DEEP HOLES & BIG FISH

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.. The neighborhood kids go there often: especially this time of year. The water is cold and clear.
.. "Gin Clear," is muddy compared to this water. There are times when the fish seem suspended in the air.

Local Resident - Potential Meal

.. Long leaders are useless in the thick stream-side growth that you must crawl through to reach a casting position.
.. Size comparisons range from whales to sharks. These trout are well fed, strong, seldom molested, infrequently seen and almost never caught.
.. They lure the confident fly fishers and send them home ashamed. Some leave because of the bears.

Easy Access

..  Access is relatively easy: just a half mile down a dusty gravel road and a gentle uphill stroll for another mile or so. The sage is thick. The willows have only game trails: sometimes near the river. A companion is necessary, vocalizations should be louder than necessary, and occasional shouting is mandatory.
..  If you have the legs and if you have the desire, and if you have the tools: this is a fly fisher's paradise.
.. If you soil your shorts when an 18" trout comes clear out of the water as it blasts a hopper, then this is the place for you.
.. If small beads of sweat stain your new fishing cap as a 20" trout rhythmically sips flies from the surface, then this tiny stream may call you back for more.
.. Any feather merchant in our village will tell you how to find the stream. Even the rookie, seasonal counter help will direct you. It would serve you well to ask when they last fished the water. You might ask for pictures of the giants they tell you about as their eyes glaze over.

Necessary

.. Right now the fish are eating all day. They are taking ants, beetles, hoppers, caddisflies, caddis larvae, and stonefly larvae, (naiads are available all year.) They even eat sticks and feathers if they appear eatable and non-threatening.
.. When you leave your car be sure that a canister of bear spray is in your hand: not your pack, not on your belt, not in the trunk of the BMW, but in your hand.
.. We invite you to visit the upper Gallatin River and explore the possibilities of accesable back country fly fishing in bear country. The rewards are great and the solitude is priceless.
.. Then again; there's lots of water in Yellowstone National Park right next to the road where you can park and your car won't get dusty. Enjoy.

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Spotting: A Must - Stalking: Difficult At Best - Bears Are Present

Sands Of Time

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

Hoppers Diminishing

hormones in ascendancy

RIFFLE & RUN  -- OR -- RIFFLE & POOL?

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.. First there needs to be a bit of "Air Clearing." There are big fish in almost all of the waters of Yellowstone National Park. It happens. Accept it. This is the time of year when hormones and instincts trump simple conventional wisedom.
.. If a large, (for the neighborhood,) trout is 22" or more, then there was a large trout, (two actually,) taken at the confluence of the Gibbon River and Solfatara Creek . . .  TRUE!
.. There have been several very large fish taken near the confluence of the Gallatin River and Specimen Creek. A couple of giant fish have been taken in the very thin water of Bacon Rind Creek. just west of the highway, (bet you drove right past them.) Of course there have been bucket-loads of large fish taken in the park-line-pools at Bakers Hole on the Madison River.

.. The simple fact is that mature trout migrate instinctively upstream to gravels suitable for spawning. That's going on right now and the surprises are wondrous to behold.
.. Recent fishing along the park reaches of the Gallatin River has been delightful, (save for the smoke in the air and air temperatures in the low 80's.) There are still some hoppers and spruce moths and beetles and flying ants attempting to swim in the river.

.. Fall catching on the Gallatin River is enhanced by finding the optimum conjunction of terrestrial and aquatic circumstances. No giant insight here.
.. The most successful neighbors count at least five factors that must come together in very extremely close proximity for optimum catching: Sagebrush Flats, Willow Bottoms, Lodgepole Pines, Riffles punctuated by Dark Water Pools, and Undercut Banks. The diversity and availability of foodstuffs in these areas accounts for both trout and bear density. Keep that in mind!
.. The weather is often less of a factor than conventional wisdom would dictate. Right now we're in a similar weather pattern that we experienced two years ago when temperatures of 85°F were seen in October. It could happen again.

.. Fish are still migrating and spawning. Photoperiod and water temperature are key triggers for the current sort of sexual shenanigans that the trout are enjoying.
.. The near-term weather forecast calls for unseasonably warm and dry periods for up to the next two weeks.
.. Evenings, of late, have been in the 20's but promise to rise into the 40's. Some clouds and some widely scattered showers may grace parts of the neighborhood but they will not significantly alter the trend - or the trout and bear behavior. Keep in mind that the berry crop is low and the bruins are ranging widely.

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