While Hollywood depictions of grizzly bears often feature them standing on their hind legs in a threatening position poised for attack, the reality of this behavior is far more benign. Though standing on two legs can be a part of a display of intimidation it’s more often a sign of curiosity and used to enhance their visibility, smell, and hearing. Simply put, grizzlies stand on their hind legs to increase their available sense inputs by elevating over obstacles and is not typically a sign aggression.
There are approximately 150–200 grizzly bears with home ranges wholly or partially inside Yellowstone National Park and visitors may get lucky enough to observe their behavior from the safety and comfort of their vehicles. That was the exactly the case when this driver stopped on the side of the road observe a grizzly cub who had temporarily become separated from its mother. In its desperate search, the cub took to its hind legs to get more information and eventually saw its mother across the road and rejoined her immediately.
As a reminder to Yellowstone visitors, park rules require maintaining at least 100 yards from bears at all times. The safest (and often best) view of Yellowstone wildlife is from inside a car. For additional 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.