Yellowstone National Park provides one of the best opportunities in the United States for visitors to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, with a wide range of birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and mammals living inside the park. It’s most famous mammals include a host of ungulates like elk, bison, and moose, but the wolves and bears are easily the most eye catching.
41 wild wolves from Canada and northwest Montana were released in Yellowstone between 1995 and 1997. Today their numbers fluctuate between 83 and 123 wolves, with at least 110 split up into 9 packs as of January 2024. They’re much more efficient at hunting large prey than smaller predators, with 90% of their winter diet being made up of elk.
Yellowstone’s bear population is made up of both black bears and grizzly bears. There are 150–200 grizzlies with home ranges wholly or partially in the park. Between late-March to early-May, these bears primarily feed on elk, bison, and other ungulates, mostly made up of already dead and decaying animals.
Bears and wolves do interact inside Yellowstone. Bears will attempt to steal kills from wolf packs, driving the animals away from carcasses. The 8 Mile Wolf Pack in the following video wasn’t willing to let this bear steal their kill, working as a group to push the grizzly away.
Yellowstone visitors should always be aware of the potential dangers that both wolves and grizzly bears can pose if not respected. Wolves and bears should be given 100 yards (300 feet) of space at all time and tourists should carry bear spray on them at all times. Read more on bear and wolf safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Safety:
Bears
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.
Wolves
Wolves are not normally a danger to people, unless they become habituated to their presence and food (there has never been an attack in Yellowstone). Two habituated wolves have been killed in the park. Help us protect wolves in Yellowstone by:
- Remaining at least 100 yards away when watching or photographing them.
- Telling a ranger if you see wolves near developed areas or approaching people.
- Keeping your dog leashed at all times when it’s outside a vehicle.
If you’re concerned about a wolf because it’s too close or not showing any fear of people, stand tall and hold your ground. If the wolf approaches you, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If that doesn’t discourage it, throw something at it or use bear spray. Group up with other people, continue waving and yelling, and tell a ranger as soon as possible.
Do not handle wolf scat: it may contain tapeworm eggs that can cause hydatid disease in humans.