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| Are Grizzlies Good Elk Hunters? |
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Mature grizzly bears are fully capable of taking down even the biggest bull. But it probably doesn’t happen all that often. Grizzlies have the intelligence to set up effective ambushes, the stealth to slip in on bugling, rut-frothed bulls, and the speed to humble Terrell Owens in the 40-yard dash. Being opportunists, though, they’re just as likely to let lions, wolves and people do the hunting, then commandeer the carcass or gutpile. So when it comes to adult elk, grizzlies aren’t often a significant mortality source.
Calves are another matter. In Yellowstone, especially, grizzlies have learned exactly where and when cows give birth. For the first week until a calf can keep up with its mother, it lies hidden. And grizzlies are consummate seekers. They’ll spend whole days methodically crisscrossing sage flats—and they seldom go to bed without their supper. |
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