Jackson Hole Grizzly 399 and four cubs when they were younger and mother was teaching them where to go in the world. In May 2022, 399 parted company with her 2.5 year-old offspring and there are fears that if the youngsters wander into developed areas and are deemed troublemakers or human safety hazards by state wildlife officials in Wyoming they may be euthanized. Their plight is emblematic of a bigger problem; that is exurban sprawl erupting in rural areas where bears once enjoyed wider latitude. Scientists say such development is displacing bears from habitat they need and is undermining the gains of recovery. Photo courtesy Thomas D. Mangelsen (mangelsen.com)
Jackson Hole Grizzly 399 and four cubs when they were younger and mother was teaching them where to go in the world. In May 2022, 399 parted company with her 2.5 year-old offspring and there are fears that if the youngsters wander into developed areas and are deemed troublemakers or human safety hazards by state wildlife officials in Wyoming they may be euthanized. Their plight is emblematic of a bigger problem; that is exurban sprawl erupting in rural areas where bears once enjoyed wider latitude. Scientists say such development is displacing bears from habitat they need and is undermining the gains of recovery. Photo courtesy Thomas D. Mangelsen (mangelsen.com)