Discovering One of Yellowstone’s Oldest Grizzly Bears

In the southwest of Wyoming, scientists have recently identified one of the oldest grizzly bears ever recorded, aged 34 years. This remarkable discovery was made possible by a distinctive mark on the bear’s lip, a tattoo placed by biologists back in 1989. With most of Yellowstone’s wildlife remaining unmarked by scientists, there is no evidence of older grizzly bears in the region. This post delves into the fascinating story of the oldest known grizzly bear in Yellowstone.

Background of the Bear

Grizzly 168, as he was designated, was first captured by researchers when he was around three years old in 1989. This initial encounter led to the distinctive tattoo marking. In 1996, Grizzly 168 was captured again in Fremont County, Wyoming. Unfortunately, after losing his radio collar the following year, tracking his movements became challenging for scientists.

DNA testing later suggested that Grizzly 168 fathered three cubs in the mid-2000s. Remarkably, he continued to sire offspring well into his 20s, with evidence indicating he had more cubs at the age of 31. Among the Yellowstone grizzlies, another well-known bear is Bear 399, a 24-year-old female who became the oldest known grizzly bear mother at 27. However, Grizzly 168, a male with only three remaining teeth, had become an emblem of longevity in the wild.

The Bear’s Health

At the time of his last capture, Grizzly 168 was in poor health. His teeth were severely worn down, limiting his ability to hunt, and he had resorted to preying on easier targets like calves. Weighing only 77 kilograms (170 pounds), he was significantly underweight for a grizzly bear.

Yellowstone scientists use a health scale ranging from 1 to 5 to assess bears, with 1 being the worst condition. When Grizzly 168 was first captured, he was rated a zero due to his emaciated state. This dire condition led Fish and Wildlife Service biologists to make the difficult decision to euthanize him, sparing him further suffering. Dan Thompson, a biologist with Wyoming Game and Fish, expressed the sentiment of the team: “It was sad that we had to euthanize him, but ethically nothing else could have been done.”

The Miracle of Grizzly 168’s Long Life

With only about 700 grizzlies remaining in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, bears face significant threats, including poaching, habitat degradation, and climate change. These factors affect their nutrition and hibernation patterns, making Grizzly 168’s long life quite extraordinary.

Hope for Yellowstone’s Grizzlies

Thanks to federal protections established in the 1970s, grizzly bear populations have seen a gradual increase. In Yellowstone, the grizzly population has grown by about 100 bears since the 1970s. This protection offers hope for the future generations of Grizzly 168 and other bears in the region.

Visit Yellowstone Bear World

During your visit to the Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park, make sure to experience the wonders of Yellowstone Bear World. This drive-thru wildlife park offers a unique opportunity to see North American wildlife up close. For more information or to schedule your visit, contact us at (208) 359-9688.

Discover the fascinating stories and enduring spirit of Yellowstone’s grizzly bears at Yellowstone Bear World. Your adventure awaits!