“Scarface:” Beloved Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

“Scarface” (aka #211) was one of the most accommodating, easy-going grizzly bears that has called Yellowstone home in recent times. I had watched him wander all the way across the Lamar Valley and pass right through the cars and people of the traffic jam stopped to watch him—without batting an eyelash. “Scarface” was utterly blasé about humans, their noise, and commotion and as a result, was photographed, viewed and, yes loved, by so many Park visitors. The distinctive scar on the right cheek and lop ear on the same side, though not unique among male grizzly bears (a result of scuffles among competitors), along with periods of time wearing a radio collar, made him easily identifiable.

On top of his distinctive markings, “Scarface” was also notable on account of his age—25 years—enough time for his fanbase to build substantially. Most male grizzly bears live slightly shorter existences than females on account of competition with other males, and life in general; they rarely exceed 20 years of age. Sadly, on the evening of November 18, 2015, the bear that was such a model ambassador for man and bear, met his end amid a chance, close-range encounter with a hunter. 211 was shot on dark trail along Little Trail Creek about 4 miles north of Gardiner Montana—just a short distance from our home. Though his death was classified as “self-defense.” Many had speculated that we would not see this familiar old friend return from the den, on account of his age, but would never imagine that such an easy-going bear would meet his end in a confrontation with a human.

 

One of the traits I admired most about “Scarface” was his ability to ‘teleport’ from one part of the Park to the other. It seemed as though he had super powers and could appear in Hayden Valley one morning and by afternoon, suddenly appear in Lamar. He had an uncanny way of covering lots of ground, hence the title for the sculpture “Veteran Traveler,” and an unflappable demeanor that thrilled all of those along his route. A second, miniature bronze of “Scarface” entitled, “Lamar Contemplation,” symbolizes his seeming introspective ways in the company of humans.

“Veteran Traveler” – Yellowstone’s “Scarface” Grizzly Bear measures 5.25″L x 1.75″ W x 3″H and is an edition of 30. “Lamar Contemplation” measures 4.5″L x 1.75″ W x 4″H, and is also an edition of 30. To purchase one of these sculptures, please contact us. To view George’s other sculptures, visit his gallery.