Relocated Grizzly Bear With Cubs Spotted In Greater Yellowstone
A female grizzly bear relocated to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has emerged from her den this spring with two cubs, signaling early success in a multi-state effort to strengthen genetic diversity among grizzly populations.
The bear was released in Wyoming two years ago as part of a coordinated initiative with Montana to encourage genetic exchange between the Yellowstone-area population and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. She was recently observed and photographed with her cubs during a radio-telemetry monitoring flight near her den site.
“This is concrete evidence that Montana and Wyoming are committed to sustaining a recovered population of grizzly bears and is a major success in our continued efforts to ensure genetic diversity in these two recovered populations of bears,” said Christy Clark, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
The female was one of two grizzlies translocated through a partnership involving Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Yellowstone National Park. The second bear was a subadult male. The female was 4 years old at the time of relocation and is now 6.
“Grizzly bears in these populations usually give birth for the first time at 5 or 6 years old, so it's not surprising from an age standpoint,” said Cecily Costello, grizzly bear researcher for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “It is more surprising because last year she was still very mobile and made many large, wandering movements. We wondered if that energy expenditure might reduce her chances of reproducing, but, from the photo, she appears to be in great condition.”
State officials said grizzly populations in both ecosystems surpassed recovery goals years ago, though the Yellowstone population has remained relatively isolated. The translocation effort was designed to introduce new genetic material under a multi-state agreement involving Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming following a federal court ruling tied to the 2017 delisting decision.
“This multiagency effort was a shining example of interstate/interagency collaboration and cooperation to address long-term genetic viability concerns raised and embodies both on-the-ground conservation and a commitment to fulfill obligations toward grizzly bear management in the contiguous United States,” said Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Biologists said annual cub survival rates are just above 50 percent and are often lower for first litters.
“So, we do have to wait and see about the survival of this litter,” Costello said. “Even if this litter does not survive, we expect she will be successful in the future.”
The male’s reproduction will be harder to confirm and typically requires genetic sampling of offspring. He is estimated to be about 7 years old, which is considered young for competing with larger adult males.