Around 150-200 grizzly bears have home ranges entirely within Yellowstone National Park. They typically enter their den for hibernation around mid-November, though some males will remain active throughout December.
Once they’ve entered hibernation, bears might awaken and leave their dens during the winter, but they usually won’t eat, drink, defecate, or urinate during this period. They live off a layer of fat that they worked to build up prior to hibernation.
They’ll depart their dens once the temperatures warm up and food becomes more available. In the Greater Yellowstone area, grizzly bears begin to leave their dens in early February, with most having departed by early May. This year, staff in Yellowstone observed grizzly bear tracks in the northern section of the park on March 9. With bears out and about, Yellowstone is reminding tourists to stay prepared for bear encounters when visiting the park.
It’s that time of year when bears are coming out of hibernation, and staff observed grizzly bear tracks in the northern part of the park on March 9. Carry bear spray & know how to use it. Stay alert & make noise to avoid surprises. https://t.co/rsr0dS6eHW pic.twitter.com/yEApxSrXSj
— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) March 12, 2025
Bears should never be approached in Yellowstone National Park, with at least 100 yards (300 feet) of space always given to the animals. Hikers should travel in groups, make plenty of noise, and always keep bear spray on them in an easily accessible location. Read more on bear safety 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. Observe all closures and restrictions in active bear management areas.
- 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.
