Yellowstone National Park is home to two species of bears, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus). The two species shared a common ancestor more than 3.5 million years ago before their evolution diverged and their habitats only began to overlap about 13,000 years ago. Yellowstone’s grizzly bears are typically larger than the black bears but black bears outnumber grizzlies by a wide margin.
Due to their sheer prevalence, Yellowstone tourists are far more likely to encounter a black bear than a grizzly bear but the same safety rules apply for both species. Yellowstone policy is to always maintain at least 100 yards from any bear and actively approaching one is strictly prohibited.
While there is ample signage around the park letting visitors know the proper distance to keep from bears, some choose to willfully disregard park rules and risk their well being for the sake of pictures.
Such was the case for this large group of tourists who huddled at the end of the Yellowstone River Bridge to get a close up view of black bear as it emerged from the Yellowstone River Banks. Thankfully a park ranger was on the scene and gave the group clear and concise directions to respect the bear’s space and vacate the area.
While this park ranger sounded very much like a kindergarten teacher yelling at naughty children, these tourists were quite juvenile in their actions and needed to be scolded. Remember folks, Yellowstone is not a petting zoo and despite how calm they appear to be the resident animals are wild and unpredictable. Be safe, be respectful and follow park rules at all times. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park bear safety 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.