Ivory

Stories and Field Observations

2017 — “Campground Mom” with young males

In 2017, Ivory was raising two young male cubs, Caine and Abel, and the family spent much of the season in and around the Atnarko Campground. It was an area I guided frequently, and Ivory—known then as “Campground Mom”—was a regular presence. She often used the forested strip on the north side of the campground road, moving quietly through the trees with her cubs close behind.

One day, a family I was guiding had a baby riding on the father’s back. Ivory approached in a calm, respectful way, curious about the sound. Once she understood what she was hearing, she relaxed and even seemed to “present” her own cubs, allowing a brief, peaceful moment between two families—one human, one bear.

A tense encounter and clear recognition

On a warm afternoon, I brought a small group to the campground and spotted Ivory and her cubs fishing far upstream. I turned my guests back toward the main road to give her space. Moments later, one of her cubs appeared only a few meters away, unaware of us. When he saw us, he bawled loudly.

I immediately moved my guests out, but the wind was not in our favour. Ivory, about 100 meters up the road, burst out of the brush at a full run, roaring, one paw held off the ground as she charged to protect her cub. With no safe retreat, I stepped forward, bear spray in hand, and spoke to her calmly: “It’s ok, girl. It’s ok…” She slowed, recognized me, gathered her cub, and moved quickly away.

It was a tense moment, but also a powerful reminder of her intelligence and her ability to distinguish between threat and familiarity, even under extreme stress.

2020–2022 — Older sons, new cubs, and a wary yearling

By 2020, Ivory still had her two male cubs—now 3.5 years old and larger than she was. She became pregnant again and gave birth to two cubs the following year. This new family was shy and kept to themselves; I saw them only occasionally on the floodplain near Kenny’s cabin.

In 2022, Ivory returned with a single yearling, a cub we named Tusk. He was wary, reactive, and deeply uncomfortable around people. Ivory spent much of the season near the boat launch areas, patiently trying to help him settle. Over time, he became slightly more tolerant of human presence, but his guarded behaviour suggested he had experienced some form of trauma—he carried a kind of anger toward people that was unusual for a cub raised by a calm, confident mother.

What 2023 would bring for Tusk remained an open question, but Ivory’s patience and steady guidance gave him the best chance to adapt.

Ivory’s Family Relations — Guide Notes

🧸 Cubs and Maternal History

Ivory has a long and successful history as a mother, and her cubs reflect both her temperament and the landscapes she chose to raise them in.

2016 — Caine and Abel

• Two male cubs of the year.
• Stayed with Ivory until 3.5 years old, a long and attentive maternal investment.
• Raised primarily up the valley, especially in the decommissioned Atnarko Campground and along Tote Road.
• Ivory never brought this family to the boat launch areas, preferring quieter habitat.
• Both males were easy natured, steady cubs who mirrored their mother’s calm disposition.

These early years earned her the nickname “Campground Mom,” as she was frequently seen guiding her young sons through the forested edges of the old campground.

2021 — Ivory’s 2021 cub Tusk

• One cub of the year.
• Raised largely around the boat launch areas, a different part of Ivory’s range than her earlier litters.
• Stayed with Ivory for 2.5 years.
• Tusk was highly stressed around people, often reactive and uneasy.
• She settled somewhat when close to Ivory, relying heavily on her calm presence.
• Once independent the following year, she began to socialize more, though he retained a guarded, prickly personality.

Tusk’s behaviour suggested he may have experienced a negative encounter with people early in life; his distrust was unusual for a cub raised by such a composed mother.

Ivory’s maternal record shows a bear who adapts her strategies to the needs of each cub and the conditions of each season. Her ability to raise confident, capable young bears across different parts of the valley speak to her experience and resilience.