Ep. 107: Face to Face with Wyoming Grizzly Bears
Cutting The Distance
Deep Dive
Why are grizzly bear encounters increasing in Wyoming?
Grizzly bear populations have exploded in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho since being delisted from the endangered species list, leading to more frequent encounters with humans.
Should grizzly bears be hunted in Wyoming?
Ron Niziolek believes grizzly hunting seasons should be opened based on biology, not voter or judicial decisions, to manage the growing population.
How does Ron Niziolek handle grizzly bear encounters while hunting?
Ron tries not to let bears dictate his hunting plans, but he remains cautious and respectful of their potential danger. He avoids areas with known bear activity unless necessary.
What happened during Ron's encounter with a wolf in his camp?
A wolf destroyed their tent, chewed on his friend's belongings, and even sniffed his friend's face while they slept. The wolf also stole their packs and boots, leading to a humorous but nerve-wracking experience.
How many grizzly bears did Ron encounter during his elk hunting season?
Ron saw 41 grizzly bears over 25 days, with 26 encounters occurring at distances under 50 yards. Five of those encounters involved bears at pistol range.
What happened when Ron and his friends were tracking his downed elk?
A sow grizzly and her cubs charged the group while they were tracking the elk. The bears were likely protecting the carcass, and the encounter ended with the group retreating without firing shots.
What did the bears do to Ron's elk carcass after he shot it?
The bears completely consumed the elk, leaving only the head, antlers, hide, and lower legs. They dug up a large area around the carcass and even skinned the face of the elk.
What advice does Ron give to hunters going into grizzly country?
Ron advises hunters to be honest about their readiness, practice with bear spray or a pistol, and be quick to react if they suspect a bear is nearby. He also emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the psychological impact of close encounters.
What was the outcome of a recent grizzly bear encounter involving a friend of Ron's?
A young hunter shot a charging grizzly 15 times, hitting it four or six times, while his father struggled to get his rifle ready. The quick reaction of the son likely saved them from a more serious attack.
- Numerous close encounters with grizzly bears in Wyoming.
- The increasing boldness of grizzly bears due to delisting.
- A humorous story about a wolf stealing gear from their camp.
- Strategies for minimizing bear encounters while hunting.
Shownotes Transcript