Spring is a excellent time to see wildlife among the wildflowers, sagebrush flats, and meandering creeks of Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton is home to a wide variety of animals that will become more active in coming months including grizzly and black bears, bison, moose, elk, pronghorn, and more.
As the weather warms and tourist visits begin to ramp up, Grand Teton issued a friendly reminder to guests about responsible wildlife observation protocols. These guidelines include using binoculars, spotting scopes or long lenses for close views and photographs rather than approaching wildlife, never getting between an adult animal and its offspring and generally avoiding wildlife harassment:
“Harassment is any human action that causes unusual behavior, or a change of behavior, in an animal. Repeated encounters with people can have negative, long-term impacts on wildlife, including increased levels of stress and the avoidance of essential feeding areas.”
As we enter the peak months of the National Park tourism season, it is important to remember to be stewards of these incredible lands and to respect all resident wildlife. Learn more from Grand Teton National Park below.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK:
Spring means more wildlife activity! As snow melts, bears wake from hibernation, elk and deer migrate, and birds return. What’s the best way to spot wildlife while staying safe?
-Keep your distance– at least 100 yards (300 feet) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (75 feet) from all other wildlife, use binoculars or a spotting scope.
-Never position yourself between an adult and its offspring. Females with young are especially defensive. This is true for all species.
-Never ever feed wild animals, it is illegal.
-Use extra caution when driving during migration season, mornings and evenings. Obey posted speed limits. Be aware that the night speed limit is only 45 mph on the main highway. Always view wildlife from designated pull outs. Do not stop or park in the roadway to view wildlife.
Grand Teton National Park Wildlife Safety Guidelines:
- Stay safe while watching Grand Teton’s wildlife. They are wild and dangerous.
- Roadside viewing is popular, but please keep the road clear. Use pullouts or pull completely off the roadway to the right of the white line.
- It is illegal to feed any wildlife, including birds, ground squirrels, bears, or foxes. Wildlife start to depend on people, resulting in poor nutrition and aggressive behavior. If fed, any animal may become unhealthy, bite you, expose you to rabies, or need to be killed.
- Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a good view. Never position yourself between a female and offspring, mothers are very protective. Let wildlife thrive undisturbed. If your actions cause an animal to flee, you are too close.
Be Bear Aware
Grizzly and black bears are waking up in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. You may encounter a bear anywhere at anytime. Some of the most popular areas and trails pass through excellent bear habitat. Your safety cannot be guaranteed. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91m) away from bears and wolves, including when you are in your vehicle. Learn more about bears, safe bear viewing and how to properly use bear spray at Safety in Bear Country.
