Grizzlies of the Yaak

by Rick Bass

Every population of grizzly bears is a treasure—carved by place and time to an intricate fit and connected powerfully to all other species in their landscape, humans included. Among all the populations of grizzlies, however, the Yaak is unique for so many reasons, and—if they can survive—promise to be ever-more valuable as time goes on. The Yaak grizzlies exist at the lowest elevation of any inland grizzlies in North America.

Their habitat in the Yaak—shaded, cool coniferous forests with plentiful winter snow—is different from the glacial rock-and-ice landscapes preferred by other grizzly populations in the West. Yaak grizzlies tend to be smaller and more secretive, which may help them reduce conflicts with humans. Their diets consist of higher percentages of plants and berries, rather than meat. In many ways, they may be the prototype of the future, if grizzlies are to survive in the Lower 48. And the possibility that Yaak grizzlies could exist in a designated climate refuge would improve their chances of surviving far into the future, where some other populations may not.

But first, we must protect the core of survivors—roughly 25-30 bears—that remain. They need greater connectivity to adjacent habitats, and greater protection of the quality secure habitat they currently have in the Yaak: large, unpeopled tracts of roadless lands. Grizzlies are a keystone part of the old and mature forest ecosystem Forest Refuge Alliance is working to protect. Think about it: where would you go on a sweltering summer day if you were wearing a 70-pound fur coat? Old and mature forests are increasingly important to protecting the thermal and hydrologic resources upon which grizzlies—and much else—depends. In the Yaak, and elsewhere.

Photo credit: Grizzly in Forest — NPS/Neal Herbert.