Grizzlies Employed in Consumer Testing by The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

West Yellowstone’s Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center hosts a cutting edge program dedicated to reducing the conflicts between grizzlies and humans. With the increasing bear population and the swelling number of visitors to Yellowstone Country, it is not surprising that a record 24 grizzly bears were euthanized in 2015. Those of us who live in the area have adapted to the bears foraging for food. Removing tempting food sources minimizes their visits and the resulting damage.

I had the opportunity to spend some time last week with Randy Gravatt, the facility manager of the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.  The center houses grizzly bears, wolves and birds of prey that would have had to be euthanized either because of injuries or in the case of the bears and wolves; they had become acclimated to humans.

The center has become the premier testing facility for bear-resistant garbage containers and coolers. The tests are very straightforward. Take the container to be tested, put some fish or other smelly, tasty vittles in it, place it in the bear enclosure and release a four hundred pound bear. If the bear cannot open the container within one hour nor make any hole larger than 1.5 inches in diameter, the container passes.  I had the opportunity to witness an actual test. I watched in amazement as the griz jumped up and down on the small cooler like a trampoline, tried to pry the lid off with its massive claws and batted it around like a hockey puck. Eventually it gave up and wandered away looking for an easier meal. This year the center tested 55 manufactures’ products and 60% passed. The initial year that the center began running tests only 10% passed. In September, Randy accepted the North American Conservation Award in Salt Lake City on behalf of the center for their work on bear safe containers.

The facility is an accredited member of the Aquarium/Zoo Association, signifying that the care that the animals receive is top-notch. Animals are not fed by employees but the food is buried around the enclosure and the bears are released to hunt for it. Live trout are stocked in the enclosure’s pond. Their food consists of as much big game road kill as fish and game can locate, as well as fruits and vegetables donated by West Yellowstone’s two grocery stores, local restaurants, Costco in Bozeman and our own Robin’s Roost. The center also accepts scraps (ribs, legs, etc.) from big game harvested by local hunters.

Randy was ecstatic as he pointed out the new construction projects underway. A large river otter/cutthroat trout habitat is slated for completion in the spring of 2018 which will allow for both above and below waterline viewing. The construction of a large black bear enclosure has also begun with an estimated opening date of 2020.

Take the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful facility. It is a gem that the area can be proud of and deserves our support.

The History of Island Park

Enjoying the History of Island Park

Last week I stopped by one of the local stores and purchased a copy of “History of Island Park by Dean H. Green”. Having seen the book displayed in several stores, I was intrigued.

Island Park is a window to various times in the earth’s history. Hiking amidst the obsidian boulders of Fish Creek, one can imagine the time before man arrived. Hunting for elk and dodging grizzlies in the forest is reminiscent of the mountain man era and visiting the old log cabins still in use reminds us of those who first developed the area.  Listening to locals tell stories about Doc Mack, the deep snow years and the various landmarks lost to fires over the years, one observes the reverence that many have for this area.

There are stories in my family about a connection to Island Park and Pond’s Lodge.  I wanted to explore them as well so I made my purchase and began reading.  The author opens with the area’s volcanic activity and documents early Indian activity, mountain men and the US Calvary during the Nez Perce War. I enjoyed reading about the first white settlers in the area, Gilman Sawtell, Dick Rock (who was killed by his pet buffalo) and George Rea.

My impatience got the better of me and I jumped forward to the chapter on Pond’s Lodge. I had met my great uncle and aunt in Idaho Falls when I was in grade school but didn't remember much. I called my mother in Arizona and she reminded me that their names were Gus and Rella Pond.

Charles Pond and his wife, Mina moved here to work for the Targhee Tie Company in 1924 (near the Scout Camp) and in 1925 purchased the lease and buildings which they renamed Pond’s Lodge. One of his children was Angus (Gus) Pond, my great uncle. And there on page 157 was a photo of great Uncle Gus and Aunt Rella.  I felt a sense of pride but also of missed opportunity. When I was young, I had no information about their history. I wish they had shared with me stories of the early days of Island Park.

In my heart, I feel that I owe it to them to learn as much about the area as I can and pass that information down to my children and grandchildren. I also was forced to consider that I have failed to disclose many of my life experiences. I am determined to rectify that omission.

For those of you who haven’t picked up a copy of Mr. Green’s book, I would recommend it. It is well worth the money and the time to read.