Ranger Hazes Bear, Disrupts Wolf Watch

A Yellowstone bear technician fired two cracker shells into the air on Oct. 27, scattering a pack of wolves and a large adult grizzly. The action disrupted a roadside wildlife viewing event near Alum Creek, where more than 100 people had gathered to observe the animals.

Park Service spokeswoman Linda Veress stated the subadult grizzly was approximately 50 yards from visitors. The shell was fired upward, not at the bear, to ensure the predator moved away. Veress noted that a larger adult grizzly remained on a carcass about 163 yards away. The intervention was taken to protect both the visitors and the wildlife.

Renowned photographer Tom Mangelsen criticized the timing of the hazing. He said he felt terrible for a group of seven European tourists who arrived at the site after the animals had already been driven off. Mangelsen said he texted that the visitors, who had traveled thousands of miles, missed a clear view of wolves because the ranger felt he could fire the shots.

French tourist Arnaud Marchais said he had been told wolves were less than 200 yards from the road. He arrived to find they had been scared away about two hours earlier. Marchais said he traveled to the park primarily to see wolves and only caught distant glimpses of other packs. He said the experience left him doubtful about returning next March.

Mangelsen described the scene before the hazing as calm. A large bear held primary claim to an elk carcass, while seven wolves circled nearby. He said the wolves approached the grizzly one by one, but the bear did not seem concerned. The crowd watched in high winds, 28-degree temperatures, and spitting snow.

Mangelsen said the young bear was circling at 100 yards when the ranger arrived. He noted that the bear may have been as close as 85 yards at one point. Park rules require at least 100 yards between people and large predators. Mangelsen asked the ranger not to shoot because the bear was merely smelling the carcass and not interested in crossing the highway.

The ranger fired two 12-gauge cracker shells, which launch a small explosive charge to scare wildlife. Mangelsen said the young bear fled, as did all the wolves. They ran off and did not return. The crowd remained at the site when the European tourists arrived and learned of the missed opportunity.