Bold Yellowstone Coyotes Charge Grizzly That Got Too Close To Their Pup Den
Cowboy State Daily • • science
Key Points:
- A pair of Yellowstone coyotes bravely chased off a young grizzly bear that approached their den, demonstrating strong protective instincts despite the size difference.
- The encounter, captured on video by wildlife photographer Mark Fletcher, showed the grizzly retreating without physical contact after being confronted by two bold coyotes.
- Retired wildlife biologist Franz Camenzind explained that coyotes are typically aggressive when protecting their pups, which are usually born in April, and will risk danger to defend them.
- Coyotes in Yellowstone often form packs and exhibit communal parenting, with multiple adults helping to care for and feed the pups once they are old enough to eat meat.
- The event took place at Blacktail Ponds, a hotspot for wildlife activity, where scavengers like grizzlies are attracted by carcasses, but the coyotes’ actions suggest the presence of vulnerable pups nearby.
