Yellowstone National Park features over 15 miles of boardwalks designed to allow visitors access to the park’s hydrothermal areas safely while protecting the delicate environment underneath. These carefully constructed walkways are intended for tourist foot traffic but some times Yellowstone’s resident wildlife also utilize them as convenient routes through the park.
Such was the case when a group of Yellowstone tourists encountered a grizzly bear on a boardwalk near the Firehole River footbridge in the Midway Geyser Basin.
“My wife, son, and I happened upon a big bear at the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone that wanted to follow us on to the boardwalk for a good ways before he leaped over the railing and sauntered off. No injuries but he was way closer than the recommended safe distance. About 15-20 feet from my wife at first.”
Thankfully the grizzly bear appeared entirely disinterested in the nearby humans and was more concerned with staying dry while crossing the river near the Grand Prismatic Spring before casually hurdling the protective railing and carrying on with its day.
Park regulations strictly prohibit leaving the boardwalks in thermal areas to ensure both visitor safety and the preservation of the fragile landscape. With that said, exceptions can be made if stepping off the path avoids a dangerous encounter with a grizzly. Learn more about grizzly safety at Yellowstone National Park below.
Yellowstone National Park Grizzly Safety Guidelines:
- 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. Do not travel in areas closed for bear management.
- 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.
