Founded on March 1, 1872 Yellowstone National Park is America’s oldest national park and its 2.2 million acres offer visitors incredible opportunities to observe wildlife. Over 4 million tourists are expected to pass through Yellowstone’s gate this year and many of these visitors have hopes of catching a glimpse at the park’s resident bear population.
Yellowstone National Park is home to two species of bears: grizzly bears and black bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of few areas south of the Canadian border where these two bear species coexist. Grizzlies and black bears are often confused, with black bears ranging in color from black to gray to cinnamon to white. Grizzly bears have a distinctive shoulder hump, longer and less curved claws, a dish-shaped facial profile, and short, round ears. Black bears lack the shoulder hump and have a straight facial profile, shorter and more curved claws, and tall, more oval shaped ears.
While grizzly bears tend to be the more ferocious of the two, black bears have caused human injuries in Yellowstone National Park. All of Yellowstone’s animals are wild and unpredictable, and a majority will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Black bear attacks are rare but possible and respecting their space is key to keeping both yourself and the animals safe. Tourists that ignore Yellowstone’s wildlife regulations, like several people in the video below, are putting themselves in danger and compromising the well-being and welfare of wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park requires that all wildlife be given at least 25 yards of space at all times and at least 100 yards for bears and wolves. All of Yellowstone is bear country and visitors should come prepared with bear spray and a knowledge of how to use it. Read more on bear safety in Yellowstone National Park below.
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety:
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.
- Help us spread the word! Share posters from our “A Bear Doesn’t Care” campaign.
If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the bear, may depend on it.
