Wyoming is home to both grizzly bears and black bears, with an estimated 1,030 grizzly bears and countless black bears living in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth. Jackson Hole, including the resort and the town of Jackson, is surrounded by this ecosystem. Its wildlife frequently make appearances throughout the area to the joy of residents and tourists.
Black bears and grizzly bears are fairly easy to distinguish. Grizzly bears have a prominent shoulder hump, short & round ears, a dished facial profile, and long & straight claws. Black bears lack the shoulder hump, have tall pointed ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws. This bear and her cubs, spotted by snowboarder Peyton on Jackson Hole‘s Crags Run, appear to be black bears based on the lack of a shoulder hump and the facial profile.
In Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area, understanding how to behave safely around bears is important to staying safe in nature. If you encounter a bear you should never approach the animal and give it plenty of space.
Grand Teton National Park Bear Safety:
If you encounter a bear:
- DO NOT RUN. Bears can easily out run any human. Running may elicit attacks from non-aggressive bears.
- If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly.
- If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone or not at all.
- Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Do not drop your pack – this teaches bears how to obtain human food. Your pack can also protect your body in the case of an attack.
- Do not climb trees – all black bears and some grizzly bears can also climb trees.
The vast majority of bear attacks have occurred when people surprised a bear. In this situation the bear may attack as a defensive maneuver. The bear may be protecting young or defending a carcass.
