Grizzly digging

Avalanche path along Sinclair Creek trail, July 10, 2012 (Photo by Larry Halverson)

Grizzly bears head to exposed avalanche slopes to dig for roots and bulbs. These sites are particularly important in spring and early summer because the soil build up, nutrients, ample moisture and sunlight produces an abundant supply of plants that bears can eat.

Telltale sign of a grizzly -- earth tilled up in the search for glacier lily bulbs (Photo by Larry Halverson)

Grizzly bear(s) had dug the lower portion of this avalanche slope until it looked like a giant rototiller had been through. Judging by the dampness of the earth and the freshness of the up-turned vegetation it wasn’t that long ago! I’m out of here.