With a recent surge in grizzly bear births in Yellowstone National Park, wildlife experts have been keen to spot a renowned mother bear, or sow, who has a rare litter of five cubs.
Earlier this summer, wildlife naturalist Bo Welden got his chance when he filmed the sow and her cubs exploring the woods with some guests.
Welden shared this rare footage on Instagram, showing the sow leading her cubs across a log. The video captures the excitement of the moment, with Welden and his guests audibly expressing their delight in the background.
“Seeing the mother bear with five cubs is a standout moment in my guiding career,” Welden commented. “I didn’t add any music because the genuine excitement of me and my guests speaks for itself.”
Typically, grizzly bears have about three cubs per litter, making this sighting particularly noteworthy and one of the largest litters ever recorded in the park.
In his caption, Welden described the experience as “gravy,” meaning that it was an extraordinary bonus after already having a successful day observing wildlife.
“While such sightings aren’t common,” he wrote, “on this particular morning in Yellowstone, we were incredibly fortunate. Just listening to the video brings back the overwhelming joy we felt.”
**Bear Safety**
Welden’s video also highlights the importance of wildlife safety. The footage was captured from a safe distance, suggesting that viewers were using scopes or binoculars to observe the bears without getting too close.
According to Yellowstone’s safety guidelines, visitors should stay at least 100 yards away from grizzly bears and other large carnivores, such as wolves. For other wildlife like bison, elk, and moose, the recommended distance is at least 25 yards.
For bear safety, it is crucial for visitors to carry bear spray at all times. If a close encounter with a grizzly occurs—especially with a protective mother bear—it is important not to run, as this could provoke a chase.
If bear spray is unavailable, visitors should lie face-down on the ground with their hands interlaced behind their necks and legs spread to make it harder for the bear to turn them over. Bear spray should be kept accessible, as the bear might bite into it, offering a chance to escape. If the bear attack continues, fighting back is advised.
By following park guidelines and keeping a respectful distance, visitors can enjoy wildlife safely while contributing to the protection of these magnificent animals.