Concerns Grow Over Missing Yellowstone Grizzly Bear ‘Raspberry’

In recent weeks, Yellowstone National Park has been at the center of wildlife enthusiasts’ attention due to the disappearance of one of its most beloved grizzly bears, affectionately known as ‘Raspberry.’ The matriarchal bear, famous for her nurturing behavior and iconic presence, has not been seen since late May, and recent developments have raised concerns about her fate.

The Legacy of Raspberry

Raspberry, a grizzly bear estimated to be around 20 years old, has long been a symbol of Yellowstone’s thriving wildlife. Known for her unique maternal behavior, Raspberry allowed her daughters, including Snow and Jam, to remain within her territory, a rare trait in grizzly social dynamics. As Deby Dixon, a wildlife photographer with over a decade of experience in Yellowstone, explained to KTVQ, “Raspberry is kind of the most famous matriarch of Yellowstone.” Her interactions with her cubs captured the hearts of park visitors and earned her a special place in the wildlife community.

Over the years, Dixon has documented Raspberry’s life through her lens, sharing the bear’s story with the world. In 2016, one of the most memorable moments occurred when Raspberry was photographed playing with her cub, Snow, showcasing her loving and protective nature. “She’s just such a fixture,” Dixon remarked, emphasizing the bear’s significance to the park and its visitors.

A Troubling Discovery

Concerns about Raspberry’s wellbeing began to intensify when Dixon last spotted the bear on May 22. According to Dixon, Raspberry appeared lethargic and thinner than usual, raising alarms about her health. In early June, a female grizzly carcass was discovered near Sylvan Pass, the same area where Raspberry was last seen. While the carcass bore some physical resemblances to Raspberry, including a long nose, park officials have stated that there is no way to confirm its identity without DNA evidence.

In a written statement, Linda Veress, a Yellowstone National Park official, clarified that the deceased bear was killed by another bear and not by a vehicle strike. “We cannot confirm that the bear killed in early June in the Sylvan Pass area of the park was one called ‘Raspberry.’ Since we do not have DNA samples from ‘Raspberry’ or the bear that was killed, we can’t compare them to determine if it is the same bear or not,” Veress stated. The lack of tracking devices on Raspberry and her offspring further complicates efforts to identify the carcass.

Community Reactions and Broader Implications

The potential loss of Raspberry has deeply affected the wildlife community. For Dixon and others who have followed Raspberry’s journey, her absence evokes painful memories of other recent bear fatalities, such as the death of Grizzly 399 in Grand Teton National Park last October. “When 399 was killed, it was devastating, but I had been preparing myself for her death for a few years because she was old,” Dixon reflected. “With Raspberry, she’s just been such a fixture, and if she is gone, that’s so unexpected.”

Raspberry’s disappearance also highlights the broader challenges facing Yellowstone’s grizzly population. From injuries sustained in territorial conflicts to interactions with humans, these bears navigate a perilous existence. Raspberry’s own mother, Blaze, was euthanized in 2015 after a fatal attack on a hiker, underscoring the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and public safety.

Holding Onto Hope

Despite the grim signs, Dixon and others remain hopeful that Raspberry may still be alive. “I feel in my gut that she’s left us, but I want to hope that she hasn’t,” Dixon admitted. “I’ll hold out hope until the end that she’s going to come walking across the road.” For now, the wildlife community awaits any news that could confirm Raspberry’s fate, clinging to the possibility that she might yet reappear.

The story of Raspberry serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile beauty of Yellowstone’s ecosystem and the enduring bond between its wildlife and those who cherish it.