While the vast majority of visitations to Yellowstone National Park happen in the summer months when the roads are clear and tourists can explore it’s 2.2 million acres in relative ease, our nation’s first national park is open year round and has some pretty incredible backcountry skiing opportunities if you are willing to work for them.
Yellowstone’s resident black bear and grizzly population are fast asleep in deep hibernation during most of the ski season but as spring weather starts to creep in there will be some overlap between when backcountry skiers and bears will be actively sharing terrain in the park. In fact Yellowstone reported its first signs of grizzly bears waking up on March 9th as park staff observed grizzly tracks in the northern part of the park.
To combat potential negative encounters between skiers and bears, Yellowstone National Park issued a warning for skiers to carry bear spray. Bear spray should not be keep inside backpacks where it may take precious moments to retrieve in an emergency situation. Rather bear spray should be carried somewhere easily accessible at all times:
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK:
“Are you ready to hike Bear Aware? Whether you’re slogging through spring mud or if you’ve found some leftover winter snow to ski on, make sure you’re prepared to possibly encounter wildlife in Yellowstone. Carry bear spray in a place that is easily accessible, not inside your pack. Make noise to alert bears of your presence. Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you see, and never run from a bear.“
Yellowstone National Park 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. 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.
