The boardwalks of Yellowstone National Park are an incredible resource for visitors to access its hydrothermal areas while protecting both guests and the fragile ecosystems. An extensive network of boardwalks measuring over 15 miles crisscrosses the park allowing up close views of it’s 10,000+ thermal features including the famous Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Yellowstone’s boardwalks often offer the path of least resistance across the park, something that both humans and animals take advantage of on a daily basis. The following video shows a rare instance when a grizzly bear and a group of tourists shared the same boardwalk after the bear strolled over the Firehole River footbridge in Midway Geyser Basin.
Thankfully it appears the bear was only interested in staying dry while crossing the river near Grand Prismatic Spring and hopped over the railing before sauntering off without incident.
While it is against park policy to leave designated paths in thermal areas to protect both visitors and delicate ecosystems, in the case of an approaching grizzly bear exceptions can be made. Learn more about Yellowstone bear safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Grizzly Safety Guidelines:
- 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.
