Yellowstone National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore stunning wilderness, remarkable geothermal features, and geological wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. But for many people it’s the wildlife viewing that really draws them in.
Yellowstone is home to a wide range of animals including the iconic grizzly bear. There are approximately 150–200 grizzlies with home ranges wholly or partially in the park and likely over a thousand living in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Grizzlies are large, agile animals, growing up to 700 pounds and running up to 40mph. They can be found throughout the forests and meadows of Yellowstone.
While a grizzly is an incredible sight, hikers and visitors of Yellowstone National Park are encouraged to come prepared with bear spray and an understanding of how to handle a bear encounter if one occurs. This hiker in the backcountry of Yellowstone stayed remarkably calm while a grizzly meandered nearby.
Yellowstone National Park requires that visitors keep at least 100 yards from bears at all times. In the event of a bear encounter, you should back away and talk in a calm voice, making it clear to the bear that you are a person like this guy does. Hiking in groups and making noise is highly recommended to avoid bear encounters in the first place. Read more on bear safety 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.
- 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.