Old Ephraim
Posted by: 
brwhiz
N 42° 19.048 W 111° 18.620
12T E 474427 N 4685072
This statue of Old Ephraim, a giant grizzly killed in the local area, is situated on the southeast corner of the intersection of Washington Street (US Highway 89) and 10th Street in Montpelier, Idaho.
Waymark Code: WMG8D1
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 01/28/2013
Views: 2
The historic marker at the bear reads (including all errors in capitalization and spelling):
Old Ephraim
Back in the early 1900's one of the last of the great Grizzlies was Killed after terrorizing the Local ranchers and shepherds who raised sheep in the Bear Lake area. He was given the name Old Ephraim and had an awkward gate from a deformed front left paw and arm. Some thought from being caught in a trap at an early age. When he was killed by Frank Clark, August 22, 1923, he was reportedly the largest grizzly ever taken in the lower 48 states. He measure 9 feet 11 inches tall. He is depicted here in Cultured Stone by the Artist Jonathan The bear man as he looked about a month before hibernation, having fattened himself on livestock of the local ranchers in the Bear Lake Valley area. The Artists depiction of the bear was based on information given by local citizens and the historical records. While, many of Jonathan's bears are more streamline, Jonathan was inspired and impressed by the reports of the bulk and awkwardness, and uniqueness of this magnificent animal. One report said he was a hulk like that of the hunch back of Notre Dame. Jonathan believes when you stand before this rendering, you may well be looking at what Frank Clark saw, looking at Old Ephraim sniffing the wind! The great bears skull is on display at the Smithonian Institute. The is a well written 22 page booklet by Newell J Crookston first published in 1959 of the dramatic account of this great bear. Ursus arctos horribilis is the scientific classification of these monarchs of the North American wilderness! While the great bear can be an opportunist that takes advantage of easy prey, He is actually a very valuable part of the wilds of this country. A great war rages in this country over how much land should be given back to the great bear but real balance comes through the local citizens like Frank Clark who regretted having to kill the bear, but did what had to be done for the peace of the valley. Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks are now the strong holds of this area for the Grizzly. Jonathan The bear man began his career in 1983 as a wildlife artist. His fascination and capture of the bear in his art has earned him the title of "The bear Man" by Jackson Wyoming and the world. His art is collected internationally. You may see it on his web site at www.jonathanbearman.com and in Wild West Designs Galleries of Jackson WY and Idaho Falls. Also in local Museums. The bear benches of the town are also made by Jonathan The bear man with Love to His neighbors, Montpelier Idaho.