Yellowstone National Park is home to a thriving population of grizzly bears with their latest estimated numbers between 150 to 200 individuals. Each year from these grizzly bears come out of hibernation from late-March to early-May and begin roaming the park in search of much needed calories to replenish body mass lost during months living solely off layers of fat built up prior to hibernation.
As grizzlies emerge from hibernation their bodies do not immediately snap back to normal level of function, instead they undergo a two to three weeks period known as “walking hibernation” where their bodily functions slowly return to normal. During this brief window grizzlies will eat less, drink less and display a general appearance of lethargy as their bodies acclimate to a conscious state.
The following video was captured by one of eight webcams installed in Yellowstone National Park made possible through a generous grant by partner Canon USA, Inc. Thankfully a webcam operator was at the helm when this drowsy grizzly bear freshly awoken from hibernation ambled through the Upper Geyser Basin and was able to remotely move the camera and track the bear as it strolled the iconic boardwalks of Old Faithful.
While grizzly bears in Yellowstone may seem slow and lethargic during the first few weeks after emerging from hibernation, they remain highly dangerous and unpredictable regardless of their subdued appearance. Yellowstone National Park mandates that visitors keep a minimum distance of 100 yards from all grizzly bears at all times and relies on guests to follow park rules and regulations to ensure their safety while exploring its vast 2.2 million acres. For more information on how to stay safe around grizzly bears in Yellowstone, see the park’s bear safety guidelines 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.
