In March 2020 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued guidelines that allowed the use of paintballs and cracker shells (noise-making shotgun shells) to be used to haze bears as long it they do not cause permanent harm. These non-lethal methods are effective tools to re-instill bears’ natural fear of humans.
Yellowstone National Park is home to a healthy population of both grizzly bears and black bears and while they are incredible for visitors to observe from a safe distance, bears who linger around the park’s structures and roads can pose a danger to both themselves and the public. Park rangers are tasked to use their discretion to determine when hazing bears is an appropriate action.
Before delivering three well place paintballs to the rump, this park ranger alerted bystanders to return to their cars as he was going to “get her a little away from the road.”
The paintballs worked exactly as intended and the bear quickly evacuated the area. Hopefully in the future this bear will associate hanging out by roads with the temporary sting of a high velocity paintball and avoid similar situations. Learn more about bear safety at Yellowstone National Park below.
Yellowstone 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.
