Yellowstone's grizzly bear population got a boost this year when one sow birthed a litter of five cubs – and one lucky guide recently got a perfect shot of the family while out with guests.
In an Instagram video which you can watch below, wildlife naturalist guide Bo Welden captures the moment the so-called grizzly bear "supermom" crosses a felled tree in the woods. Moments later, her first cub follows her, then each adorable sibling crosses the log in turn, much to the delight of the spectators who you can hear squealing with delight behind the camera.
"Seeing the mother bear with the five cubs will always be a highlight moment for my guiding career!" writes Welden with the post.
Though a litter of five bear cubs isn't unheard of, a typical bear litter is two or three cubs, according to the American Bear Association, and getting to see such a large family out in the wild is extremely special, as Welden summed up in his post.
"When you have great days looking for wildlife you want what I call “the gravy”. It’s when you have already had such magical moments and your luck seems to be endless so you want all the next moments to be even more amazing!"
On that morning in Yellowstone, it looks like Welden and his guests indeed got the gravy.
Bear safety
As you can see from this post, the spectators are positioned at a safe distance from the bears and watching them through a scope, which is the best way to view wildlife. It is recommended that you always remain at least 100 yards away from grizzly bears and enjoy them through your binoculars.
If you are venturing into bear country, always carry bear spray and if you do come face to face with a grizzly bear in the wild, don't run as this may trigger its instinct to chase you. If it charges you and you're unable to deploy your bear spray, throw yourself face down on the ground and interlace your hands behind your neck (keep your bear spray in your hand as the bear may bite into it, which saved one hiker in Grand Teton National Park recently). Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to flip you over. If the attack continues, fight back.
Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.
