During hibernation grizzly bears’ metabolic rate drops down dramatically to as little as 25% of their normal summer levels. This decrease helps conserve energy as they go months without eating or drinking, relying solely on their stored body fat for sustenance.
As grizzly emerge from hibernation their bodies do not immediately return to normal levels of function, rather there is a two to three weeks period referred to as “walking hibernation” where their bodily functions gradually ramp up. During walking hibernation, grizzlies will eat less, drink less and display general signs of lethargy as they acclimate.
This Yellowstone National Park grizzly bear seems to have been thoroughly enjoying the process of walking hibernation and found a nice patch of snow to wallow around on and slowly recover from its long winter nap.
Although grizzly bears may appear sluggish in the initial weeks after waking up from hibernation, they are still dangerous and unpredictable no matter how calm they appear. Yellowstone requires visitors to remain at least 100 yards away from grizzly bears at all times and depends on guests to abide by the parks rules and regulations to keep themselves safe as they explore its 2.2 million acres. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park grizzly bear safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
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.