The peak tourist months for Yellowstone National Park are typically June, July, and August but its 2.2 million acres are open to visitors year round, and right about now is when visitations begin to ramp up.
The grizzly bear population in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding Greater Yellowstone is estimated 950–1,000 bears as of 2025 and they are beginning to awaken from their winter hibernation en masse. With tourists steadily trickling into the park and grizzly bears becoming more active, encounters are inevitable and it is crucial for the safety of both the guests and the bears to follow proper etiquette.
The following video was shot in the spring along a roadside meadow where grizzly bears can often be found in the months of April and May. As word got around that there were grizzlies in the area, a large group of tourist did exactly what they should not have done and exited their vehicles to approach the mother bear and her three cubs.
What this group seemed entirely unaware of is that there was a fourth cub across the road. When they approached the grizzly bears they unwittingly put themselves between a mother and her cub, a most dangerous position that should be avoided at all costs.
Thankfully the mother grizzly’s protective instincts did not result in an attack but it very well could have and the explanation for any aggressive behavior would have been understandable. These types of encounters are entirely unfortunate and entirely avoidable if protocols are followed. Learn more about proper grizzly bear safety guidelines below.
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.
- Never approach wildlife
The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. - 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.