The One-Eared King of Yellowstone: Meet ‘Van Gogh,’ the Grizzly Who Rules the West

Across the rugged landscape west of Yellowstone National Park, one grizzly bear has earned a reputation that makes other bears step aside and tourists reach for their cameras. His name is Grizzly 970, but everyone calls him “Van Gogh”—a nod to the famous artist who also lost an ear. In the bear’s case, his missing right ear was almost certainly bitten off in a brutal fight with another male about five years ago. His left ear is folded over from age, and his face is a roadmap of battle scars. At an estimated 18 to 22 years old, he is the undisputed king of the park’s west side.

Wildlife photographer Bill Little describes him as “my favorite gnarly grizzly bear.” He has watched Van Gogh chase off rivals and command territory from Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs. “He just marches through his area, where the sows are raising their cubs, and he seems to dominate everything,” Little says. “All the other bears get out of his way.”

But dominance comes with danger—especially for cubs. Wildlife photographer Julie Argyle notes that sows in that region have a hard time because cubs are frequently killed, though she stops short of blaming Van Gogh directly. Still, his presence alone reshapes the lives of every bear in his realm.

Van Gogh is not just a threat to other bears. In 2021, he charged a park ranger who was forced to drive him off with non-lethal shotgun rounds. A video of the incident went viral, showing exactly why this bear commands respect. He remains healthy, huge, and ornery, spotted again this spring looking every bit the monarch he is.

One of the most dramatic sightings came in May 2025, when Little watched Van Gogh chase another famous Yellowstone grizzly, Obsidian, and her two cubs. Obsidian showed remarkable courage, letting her cubs run ahead while she repeatedly turned to challenge the larger male. Each time, he chased her instead of the cubs, giving the little ones time to escape. Both Obsidian and her cubs got away.

For wildlife watchers, Van Gogh embodies the raw, unforgiving reality of life in the wild. “He’s a grizzly bear’s bear,” Little says. “He’s had a rough life, like you would expect a grizzly to have.” With his missing ear, scarred face, and fearless attitude, this one-eyed monarch continues to rule his kingdom—no crown required, just tooth and claw.