Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park are famous for their abundant wildlife. Most animals can be seen throughout the winter months, but it's spring that proves to be the most fruitful for wildlife watching, mainly because in addition to the elk, deer, eagles, bison, coyotes and wolves one can see during the winter, bears come out in the spring.

This past week has been an exciting one for visitors to Grand Teton National Park as a favorite grizzly family has returned to the area for the third year in a row. According to Jackson Hole News and Guide, grizzly bear no. 399 and her three cubs have left their den and have been spending time around Jackson Lake Lodge and Oxbow Bend. The lively grizzly family has provided entertainment and excellent opportunities for viewing. It is expected that this will be the last spring the family spends together before 399 encourages her cubs to go out on their own.

Strict food storage regulations and monitoring of bear activity have helped protect 399 and her cubs from the summer tourist activity and access to human food. To help maintain this, park officials will close Willow Flats area near Jackson Lake Lodge from May 15 to July 15 to help prevent human-bear encounters.

To learn more about bear safety, park closures, and wildlife within Grand Teton National Park, visit the official website, http://www.nps.gov/grte/. For spring travel specials that involve wildlife safaries and viewing, click here.