Wolves primarily feed on ungulates, or hoofed animals, like elk, deer, and others, but they’ll prey on smaller animals like hares, beavers, and rodents as well. While they’re known as hunters wolves will scavenge as well, feeding on animal carcasses and garbage when found.
Grizzly bears tend to have a very similar diet to wolves, also feeding on hoofed animals like moose and smaller mammals like rodents. Wolves and grizzlies are serious competitors when it comes to food, often butting heads when it comes to animal carcasses. Grizzlies will chase wolves away from recent kills, and wolves may do the same.
They typically aren’t seen behaving in unison, but this video manages to capture a rare instance where a grizzly and a wolf pack appear to be rather comfortable together. An apparent lack of carrion in the area is likely a factor as to why these animals aren’t agressive towards each other.
Both grizzly bears and wolves tend to avoid humans as much as possible, but approaching the animals for any reason is never a good idea. Yellowstone National Park requires visitors stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away from both bears and wolves, while any other animal should be given at least 25 yards (75 feet). Read more on wolf and bear 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.