Mama Bear
Damnation Basin
Each summer, when Mother Nature cooperates, Elk Creek takes a ranch group at the end of the second session on a packtrip to Damnation Basin, which is above tree line in the Northern Absaroka Mountains. It is a favorite gathering place for grizzly bears, who dine on the moth larvae that is deposited in the scree fields. At the end of the summer of 2024, The family took another trip later in August to enjoy watching the bears as the ranchers had before them. There were approximately 30 bears spread out on the rock fields, but what caught our eye was the efforts of a mama bear to protect two cubs from a male. Sensing danger, she led her pups off the scree fields toward a cave.
A Fight for the Cave
The mama left her cubs under the cliffs above her cave and confronts the male. They struggle raising dust, fighting over the cave. She then goes toward her cubs (just above and to the left of her) and stands up escorting them toward the cave. The male bear apparently got the message and made his exit "stage right." (You may need to look very carefully to make him out.)
The mama and the cubs reclaimed their cave. Home, safe Home!
