Yellowstone Treasures Blog

I just read today that both blacks and grizzlies are coming out of their dens a little early this year. It's not really surprising, since the snow pack is way below normal, and it has been relatively warm in Yellowstone. Tracks and bears have been sighted in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, starting in early February, according to the Jackson Hole News and Guide (http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=5684).

It saddens me to look at the Old Faithful Webcam—which I do nearly every day—because the viewing benches should be deep in snow this time of the year, but they usually haven't been. And this can mean increased fire danger and hardship for all the animals, unless the next few months reverse the trend.