It wasn't so long ago that scientists worried the Greater Yellowstone grizzly population might be lost. Only through habitat protection and reducing conflicts with people was the downward population trend reversed. Ironically, on the Custer-Gallatin National Forest's own webpage a photo of a grizzly bear is featured along with this acknowledgment: "Bears do not like surprises." Scientists warn that mountain bikers, because of the travel speeds of pedalers, represent a threat to grizzly habitat security. If enough mountain bikers ride in certain areas, they fear, it could result in displacement of bears. Photo courtesy Jim Peaco/Yellowstone National Park
It wasn't so long ago that scientists worried the Greater Yellowstone grizzly population might be lost. Only through habitat protection and reducing conflicts with people was the downward population trend reversed. Ironically, on the Custer-Gallatin National Forest's own webpage a photo of a grizzly bear is featured along with this acknowledgment: "Bears do not like surprises." Scientists warn that mountain bikers, because of the travel speeds of pedalers, represent a threat to grizzly habitat security. If enough mountain bikers ride in certain areas, they fear, it could result in displacement of bears. Photo courtesy Jim Peaco/Yellowstone National Park