Old Ephraim

Old Ephraim was the last known grizzly bear in Utah. He died on August 22, 1923. This large stone monument, representing his grave, is found in the Bear River Range in Northern Utah. You can encounter bears in the mountains of Utah but they are all black bears. If there are grizzly bears in the state, they would most likely be in the north near the border of Idaho or Wyoming. There have not been any grizzly bear sightings in recent history. The story of Old Ephraim is well known in Cache Valley. Outside of that area, it is not. I thought some of you might find it interesting, especially those who have seen bears while hiking in Utah. I’ve seen a lot of bears while hiking in other states but have only seen a few here. I added this as an informational photo to the Bear River Range. Click on the image twice to see detail of the plaque. I also posted what it says below. For more information on Old Ephraim, click Here Upper Plaque In Memoriam This rugged four and one half ton native stone is symbolic of a giant grizzly bear called Old Ephraim who ranged this area for many years killing sheep, cattle, and game, and was trapped, shot, and buried near here Aug. 1923 by Frank Clark of Malad, Idaho. Standing upright he equaled the height of this monument ( 9 ft. 11 in.) and weighed about 1100 lbs. Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C. has his skull. Erected by local scouts and scouters Aug. 22, 1966 Lower Plaque Old Ephraim, Old Ephraim, your deeds were so wrong yet we build you this marker and sing you this song. To the king of the forest so mighty and tall, we salute you, Old Ephraim the king of them all. Nephi J. Bott