Yellowstone National Park is home to two species of bears, black bears and grizzly bears. 150-200 grizzlies have home ranges partially or entirely inside the park, and around 965 are estimated to live in the greater Yellowstone area. Bears hibernate throughout the winter in most areas of the world, with a denning length depending on latitude, gender, and whether or not they’re pregnant.
Most bears in Yellowstone enter their den by mid-November, though some males will stay active into December. Pregnant females tend to hibernate earlier and longer than other bears, giving birth in the winter to between 1-3 cubs. While most bears will leave the vicinity of their dens within a week after emerging, females with cubs tend to remain with 1.86 miles (3 kilometers) of their dens until late May.
This mother grizzly and tiny little cub were just spotted wandering among the snow in Yellowstone, with the cub seemingly exploring the world around it while the mother keeps a close watch.
Bears are an incredible sight for tourists, but they should always be viewed with caution and from a great distance. Yellowstone requires that visitors stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) from both bears & wolves at all time (25 yards from all other animals) and never approach bears for a photo or video. Bear spray should be carried by all visitors 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.