Yellowstone National Park provides visitors with 2.2 million acres of intact ecosystem with unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences. Nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals live inside the park, including two types of bears.
While Yellowstone is known for its grizzly bear population, black bears are common throughout the park, especially on the northern range and in the Bechler area. Grizzlies are more agressive and more likely to use their size to protect both themselves and their cubs, but black bears can still be a danger to humans. A thorough bear management plan keeps both bears and people safe inside the park, ensuring that the animals don’t become a risk and a nuisance.
In some cases this means hazing the animals away from populated areas, using noise makers and bear spray to scare them into leaving. In this situation two park rangers were forced to haze a mother black bear and two cubs with bear spray as they came too close to a crowded road.
Both rangers in the video did an excellent job at keeping the animals away from the crowd of people. All bears should be treated with respect and caution by visitors, giving them at least 100 yards (300 feet) of space. Additionally tourists at Yellowstone National Park are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it in case a bear does approach and no ranger is around to stop it. More on bear safety inside the park is available below:
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
All of Yellowstone is bear country, from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.
- Give bears space. Keep at least 100 yards (93 meters) from bears at all times and never approach a bear to take a photo.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it. We recommend each person carry one can of bear spray in a readily accessible location like a quick-draw holster (not stowed away in your backpack).
- Hike in groups and make noise. Since 1970,91% of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner. Only 9% of the people injured by bears were in groups of three or more people. While hiking on a trail, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears of your presence. Learn more about backcountry safety.
- Respect closures. Do not travel in areas closed for bear management.
- Never feed bears. Bears that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and will be killed.
- Stay with your stuff. Do not leave packs or bags containing food unattended, even for a few minutes, as bears learn new food sources quickly.
- If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away. We want to discourage this behavior for the bears’ safety and yours.
- Help us spread the word! Share posters from our “A Bear Doesn’t Care” campaign.
If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the bear, may depend on it.