With the Memorial Day weekend just around the corner and the peak tourism months at Grand Teton National Park to follow, park officials wanted to remind visitors about how to handle traffic snarls caused by their resident bears known as “bear jams”:
“As summer approaches the Tetons, many animals enjoy the increased bounty of available food. Bears descend from backcountry dens to graze on fresh vegetation. Around the same time, another key species in the park–humans–arrive in greater numbers. When a bear feeds in a roadside meadow, visitors often pull their cars over to watch. A wildlife jam forms when traffic congests around an animal sighting.”
Sometimes there are park officials called The Wildlife Brigade on the ground to help keep things orderly but unmanaged wildlife jams can become chaotic. The most dangerous part of a jam isn’t the usually the animal but the traffic. Drivers are asked to park their vehicle entirely out of the travel lane, either in a designated pullout or fully to right of the white line.
Additionally if on hand the brigade may establish wildlife crossing corridors (brackets of at least 100 yards) free from human interference to help the bears cross unimpeded. If caught in a bear jam guests are asked to maintain at least 100 yards away from bears at all times and never intentionally approach them. Read Grand Teton’s statement below:
Grand Teton National Park Statement:
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the busy season in Grand Teton. With more cars and more people, it’s important to take extra care during traffic jams caused by bear and other wildlife sightings.
Here’s what to expect, and how to stay safe:
-Do not approach the animal. Enjoy the moment from a safe distance: minimum 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other animals.
-Never park in front of a crossing animal. Give wildlife the space they need.
-Follow directions from park staff. The Wildlife Brigade is trained to observe animal behavior. A safe spot one minute may not be safe the next.
-Stay flexible and alert. These are dynamic situations, and guidance may change quickly.
-Expect crowds. Wildlife sightings draw a lot of attention—especially bears.
-Watch for traffic. Stay out of travel lanes and remain right of the white line where applicable. That applies to viewing on foot and in stopped vehicles.
-Some jams may be shut down. If safety becomes a concern, we may need to clear the area.
-Different rules in developed areas. In places like campgrounds or lodges, our goal is to help the animal move on—not to manage a viewing opportunity.
The Wildlife Brigade’s goal is always to create a safe, educational, and respectful experience for all. Your patience and cooperation help keep both people and wildlife safe.
Thanks for being bear aware and road smart this upcoming holiday weekend.
