It’s that time of year again, when the Hawthorne berries ripen in Grand Teton National Park–a favorite for the local bear population as they bulk up for their hibernating season. But this year, park officials have had to close Moose-Wilson Road multiple times when grizzlies venture into the area to feed.
Most of the time along Moose-Wilson Road, motorists will only come in contact with black bears, but for multiple reasons, officials are choosing to intermittently close the road when necessary due to grizzlies along the roadside. The closure was decided by Grand Teton Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott, with advice by other parties, like the park law enforcement, biologists and park managers. The primary reason: for the safety of the grizzlies on the narrow and winding roadway.
The combination of waning daylight hours, winding roads, and lots of vegetation on the side of Moose-Wilson Road all add up to low visibility and a potentially dangerous situation that the park would like to avoid.
Both local residents and park visitors should stay on top of the ever-changing situation, and plan for alternate routes in case of an intermittent closure. In the case of a closure, park officials will be placing signs on Wyoming Highway 390 so that motorists can find alternate routes. There will also be signs where Teton Park and Moose-Wilson roads meet.
More information available in the park’s press release.
