July 16th - 31st, 2024 Range Rider Update
Range riders have been out regularly, mostly on horseback riding through 8 herds and surrounding areas. The beginning of July was very quiet, but with the smokey weather and cooler days more recently, there was an uptick in predator activity. While no grizzly bear activity was documented in the beginning of July, it shot up to 14 observations in the last few weeks. Observations included at least 5 individual grizzly bears, 2 wolves, and 2 black bears.
The temperature fluctuations also brought on a new round of pneumonia in some calves. Between pneumonia and other natural causes of death, Range Riders had game cameras on three carcasses. Riders documented scavenging activity by bears and wolves on two of the three carcasses, and at least 4 different grizzly bears.
As a reminder, this is the time of year that grizzly bears start to go into hyperphagia, or their hyperactive eating period before hibernation. Bears are trying to eat as much as possible throughout the next few months, and can be more defensive, aggressive, and active in search for food. As you work and recreate throughout the valley, please be bear aware. Carry bear protection, make noise in areas with low visibility, travel in groups or on horseback/ATV when possible, and remain vigilant. Grizzly bears have been documented throughout the valley from the valley floor to high elevations. Assume there could be grizzly bear activity anywhere in the area.
Fourteen grizzly bear observations were documented, including one sighting, four sets of tracks, and nine game camera events – five of which were associated with a carcass. Most of this activity was in the north central part of the valley, although activity was document in the far east and west portions of the valley as well.
There were two black bear observations since the last report. Both observations were on game camera in the far east and north central parts of the valley.
The program had two wolf observations including a sighting of one wolf, and the second observation was of two wolves. Both observations were in the central part of the valley.
Pronghorn have started to herd up into harems, or breeding groups generally consisting of one male with many females. Elk, deer, and moose still have velvet on their antlers as seen in our game camera photos, but will be shedding the velvet shortly. Activity for all of these species has been consistently documented throughout the valley, with mule deer and elk in foot hill areas above the valley floor. Moose, pronghorn, and white tail deer have been more commonly sighted on or close to the valley floor, often near trees or willows.
The Team and the cameras cannot capture the entire Valley each day, so community reports are extremely valuable to understand how wildlife use the Valley. If you have any wildlife reports to share (big or small!) please contact Erika Nunlist, Wildlife Program Coordinator, at wildlife@centennialvalleyassociation.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
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