B Bar Gazette – September 2024
| B Bar Gazette |
| Issue #16 September 2024 |
| Hello friends of B Bar, As we ascended the Elk Loop trail on Headquarters Ridge, heading north toward Upper Reed Meadow, our group of hikers eagerly quickened their pace to reach the best wildlife viewing spots. From our vantage point, we were thrilled to spot 13 grizzly bears with the naked eye, binoculars, and a spotting scope. Despite being lifelong Montanans, none of the 11 guests attending the Mountain Mindfulness Yoga Retreat had ever witnessed such a remarkable gathering of these majestic creatures. As the Absaroka Mountains bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, we looked down upon Paradise Valley and felt a profound sense of humility and awe at this incredible ecosystem. |
 Nico and Jackson, instructors of the Mountain Mindfulness Yoga Retreat, look for grizzlies in the Reed Meadow with Emigrant Peak in the background. |
| After being nourished by a locally sourced and elegantly prepared meal, guests and staff watch the grizzlies foraging for caraway roots, moose grazing on willows, and bull elk gathering their harems. Feeling pampered by life's bounty, we are reminded of the delicate balance that has existed for millennia between these creatures and their environment. Undoubtedly, human activities have influenced the intricate relationships within this abundant ecosystem, and we have witnessed the repercussions firsthand over the past few weeks. |
 Katie took this photo of a bear bounding with energy from caraway root. |
| A few weeks ago at the head of Soldier Creek, Mark encountered a grizzly bear that had partially buried a cow carcass. Upon closer inspection, Mark believed the calf had been injured by wolves before the bear found it. Two additional calves, also injured by the same wolf pack led by a large black wolf, were currently receiving care in a protected corral. |
| Neighbors are also facing similar levels of livestock predation. With the assistance of the Federal Wildlife Services and the fortuitous departure of the transient wolf pack, ranchers in Tom Miner Basin are maintaining a heightened state of alert as the situation returns to normalcy. |
 Mark and Zippo ride with Ancient White Park and Angus cattle. |
| Mark's stories of coexisting with wildlife in this remote area evoke a sense of tenderness toward the animals. As ranchers, we play a vital role in safeguarding this expansive and crucial habitat corridor at the edge of Yellowstone from the detrimental impacts of human activity and development. The diverse species that thrive under our stewardship pose significant challenges for livestock raising. To mitigate conflict between beeves and bears, the land and livestock team consistently accompanies the herd, monitoring for any signs of predation. Additionally, rotating cattle to new grazing areas at least once a week helps maintain herd awareness and allows the land to recover and improve soil conditions. |
| As summer fades into fall, Tom Miner Basin offers a variety of recreational activities to enjoy before the onset of winter. Remember to prioritize safety, appreciate the natural beauty, and make the most of the remaining warm days. B Bar Ranch has even more to offer this winter, including exclusive weeks, curated weekends, cross-country skiing, and more. Click the button below to plan your next trip. Sincerely, Jackson Stewart Marketing and Sales Manager |
| Our B Bar Family Maryanne Mott- General Manager and OwnerAmy Berndt- Administrative AssistantKenney Berndt- Maintenance Foreman Troy Lerwill- Maintenance Technician Mark Rose- Land & Livestock ManagerSharon Gilbert- Guest Operations Coordinator Kim Gilbert- Guest Services SupervisorEl Stone-BookkeeperWillie Stewart- Business OperationsJackson Stewart- Marketing & SalesMihail Kennedy- Production ManagerShea Kennedy- Cattle & Grazing CoordinatorRandy Mesce- Maintenance Technician |