Grizzly tracks in snow @ Yellowstone National Park
Grizzly tracks in snow @ Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, the country’s first national park, is known both for its incredible natural features and its abundant wildlife. The area’s robust mammal population ranges from weasels to wolves and bobcats to bison, but its most famous animal is likely the bear.

Yellowstone is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, but the latter is certainly the most popular among tourists. There’s an estimated 965 grizzlies in the greater Yellowstone area, with 150–200 with a home range entirely in the park.

Bears usually enter their dens for hibernation in mid-November and stay there during most of the winter months. The length of hibernation depends on the animal, but grizzly females without cubs in the greater Yellowstone area tend to stay for around 5 months. Bears will occasionally awaken and leave their dens earlier than normal, potentially creating an intimidating situation for winter hikers in the park like the case below.

Just because you see bear tracks doesn’t mean you’re in great danger, but anyone hiking in Yellowstone should always be aware of how to stay safe around grizzlies. Hiking in groups and making plenty of noise to ensure that you don’t startle the animal and spur an attack is key, in addition to carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Read more on grizzly bear safety in Yellowstone National Park below.

Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety:

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.

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