Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 119, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1918 — THE GRIZZLY PASSED ON [ARTICLE]

THE GRIZZLY PASSED ON

After Viewing the Preparations of the Elk Herd, He Sought Dinner Elsewhere. “While we camped at 8,500 feet altitude near the head of Fawn creek in the Gallatin range of the northwestern part of the Yellowstone National park,” writes Vernon Bailey chief field naturalist of the United States biological survey In a book soon to be Issued by the national park service, “I could make out with a field glass elk herds on the high ridges, south, west, and north of the camp. By climbing cautiously, so as not to dlstrub the elk, up to 10,000 feet on Quadrant mountain south of camp I was soon in the midst of one of their choice summer ranges. “Small herds and scattered Individuals were seen over the big, open slopes above timber-line; bunches of old bulls with full-grown velvety horns lying on top of the ridges Where the wind was strongest and insects less troublesome; calves and yearlings playing over great snow banks on the cold slopes; and cows peacefully lying In meadows of rich, short grass and clover. Little streams and pools of ice-cold water were everywhere and the elk were a picture of contentment and satisfaction with their ideal summer home. “After watching them for about an hour a large grizzly bear that had been digging mice on a neighboring slope was seen walking across toward the elk. As he came in view their heads went up and the herds pear me gathered into one dense

mass of about 500, old and young, while the bear walked past close in front of them and on over the ridge, scarcely turning his head to notice them. The herd was a beautiful sight, 25 or 30 old bulls with sets of large horns towering above the numerous small sets, while the front ranks were mainly filled with anxious cows ready to give battle for the protection of their young. When the bear had disappeared they quietly dispersed to their grazing and seemed very little concerned.”